Federal authorities arrested Jeremy Cole, 19, of Gallatin at a residence in Breckenridge yesterday
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Federal criminal complaints were filed yesterday in Kansas City against three local men for their involvement with illegal methamphetamine.
Federal authorities arrested Jeremy Cole, 19, of Gallatin at a residence in Breckenridge yesterday. Two other men previously arrested following a drug bust on April 16, were also named in the federal complaint — David L. Caselman of Jamesport and David Beck of Gallatin.
Each man is charged with one count of conspiracy to manufacture and distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. If convicted, each will serve the minimum mandatory sentence of 10 years in prison with no provisions for parole. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a life sentence without parole and a fine up to $4 million.
Mr. Caselman made his initial court appearance before Chief U.S. Magistrate Justice John T. Maughmer yesterday. The prosecution filed for Caselman to be held without bond. His detention hearing is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. tomorrow, June 21. Initial court appearances for both Mr. Beck and Mr. Cole will take place sometime today.
A public information officer for the U.S. Attorney’s office explains that defendants charged by means of a complaint rather than through a grand jury proceeding have the right to an open court preliminary hearing. The constitution requires that a person charged by criminal complaint may waive this hearing but then must be presented to a grand jury within 30 days. Yesterday’s legal action marks the start of this 30-day period.
During a grand jury proceeding, additional charges and totally different charges may be placed on the defendants as well as against other people who may be named during the proceeding.
Daviess County Prosecutor Julia Roselle says that various charges previously filed against Caselman, Beck and Caselman’s wife, Barbara Sue, may or may not be pursued pending decisions made on the prosecution of federal charges.
David Caselman was arrested April 16 on six felony drug charges; his wife and David Beck were each charged on five felony charges. The arrests were made through the cooperative efforts of nine local, state and federal law enforcement agencies. Local authorities believe that the prosecution is likely to be handled by federal authorities from this point forward.
Daviess County Sheriff Kevin Heldenbrand says other investigations relating to meth lab drug operations are still underway and additional arrests may occur.