Sikeston man sentenced on drug charges

Friday, February 9, 2007

CAPE GIRARDEAU - A Sikeston man was sentenced to prison on felony drug charges.

Bart Smith, 28, was sentenced to 70 months on two felony counts of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance (cocaine) in U.S. District Court. Upon release from prison, Smith will be placed on supervised release for a period of three years.

Previously with his plea, Smith admitted that between Aug. 26-31, 2005, he, James O. Baker distributed substances containing hydrochloride (also known as cocaine powder) and cocaine base (also referred to as "crack") to an undercover officer at Smith's residence and an alternate location.

On Aug. 26, 2005, Smith communicated with an undercover officer regarding the sale of one-half ounce of crack cocaine and one-half ounce of cocaine powder. Smith made separate phone calls to both the undercover officer and Baker, confirming the price for the drugs would be $1,000.

Smith arranged for the undercover officer and Baker to meet at his residence, which adjoined a health club located at 508 Northwest St. in Sikeston, for the purpose of the transaction.

While in Smith's residence and in his presence, Baker weighed and delivered the drugs to the undercover officer. Later analysis of the purported crack and powder cocaine at Drug Enforcement Administration laboratory revealed that it contained 13.3 grams cocaine hydrochloride and 12.5 grams cocaine base.

On Aug. 31, 2005, Smith arranged another drug transaction between the undercover officer and Baker. As a result, Baker provided the undercover officer with 10.5 grams cocaine hydrochloride and 14.5 grams cocaine base in Smith's presence.

On March 28, James O. Baker, 23, of Sikeston, was sentenced to 54 months in prison.

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