CAPE GIRARDEAU - A Southeast Missouri man pled guilty to federal drug charges.
Anthony M. Pettigrew, 23, of Wyatt, pled guilty to one felony count of possession with intent to distribute 5 grams or more of cocaine base in an appearance Monday in U.S. District Court before Judge Jean C. Hamilton. He now faces a maximum punishment of 40 years imprisonment and a $2,000,000 fine.
On March 6, a Charleston police officer attempted to stop Pettigrew while he was driving a vehicle in Charleston. Pettigrew did not stop immediately, but sped away before coming to an abrupt stop on Grand Street, where he then fled on foot. After a short chase, he was apprehended.
Officers recovered a plastic bag containing 5.44 grams of "crack" cocaine that Pettigrew had attempted to discard.
With his plea, Pettigrew admitted that he knowingly possessed the cocaine and that he intended to distribute it to others.
Sentencing has been set for Feb. 28.