Attempt to manufacture meth gets eight-year prison term for man

FARMINGTON — A St. Francois County man was sentenced to eight years in prison for attempting to manufacture meth.

Circuit Court Judge Kenneth W. Pratte gave Anthony Bowyer Sr., 44, an eight-year sentence but will reconsider granting probation if Bowyer successfully completes a 120-day drug treatment program.

According to court records, officers with the Mineral Area Drug Task Force conducted surveillance on a shack in rural Bonne Terre and saw two men conducting activities associated with the manufacture of meth. Officers searched the shack and found several items used in the manufacture of meth.

In another case, Jason Gidron, 23, of Bonne Terre, was sentenced to 10 years in prison for selling and possessing marijuana. The judge will reconsider granting probation after Gidron completes the Department of Corrections regimented discipline program.

According to court records, a confidential informant purchased more than five grams of marijuana from Gidron in February 2002. A few months later, officers with the Mineral Area Drug Task Force searched his home and found about 130 grams of marijuana.

In another case, Kelly Heenan, 26, of Greenville, was sentenced to 12 years in prison for manufacturing and possessing meth. The judge will reconsider granting probation after Heenan completes a 120-day drug treatment program.

According to court records, officers with the Mineral Area Drug Task Force searched a residence and found meth and items used in the manufacture of meth.

In others cases, Audrea Lagesse, 26, of Bonne Terre, was sentenced to four years in prison for violating the terms of the probation Lagesse received for unlawful use of a weapon. The judge will reconsider granting probation after Lagesse completes a 120-day drug treatment program.

Jason Lay, 23, of Bonne Terre, was placed on five years of supervised probation for manufacturing meth. According to court records, officers found a functioning meth lab on Highway 47 and arrested five people.

Also placed on probation were Nicholas Aubuchon, 25, of Farmington, for second-degree burglary; Michael Sykes, 39, of Farmington, for forgery; Jeffrey Lawson, 36, of Mineral Point, for failure to pay child support; and Victor Scott Bishop, 32, of Bonne Terre, for failure to pay child support.

Several individuals pleaded guilty to charges in unrelated cases.

Debra Brundage, 41, of Farmington, pleaded guilty to forgery. Two other charges of forgery were dismissed as part of a plea agreement. A presentence investigation report was ordered and formal sentencing was set for Feb. 20.

Robert Arcand, 44, of Bonne Terre, pleaded guilty to one count of failure to pay child support. Two other charges were dismissed as part of a plea agreement. A presentence investigation report was ordered and formal sentencing was set for Feb. 20.

Adam Crouch, 21, of Bonne Terre, pleaded guilty to one count of writing a check on a closed account. Five other bad check charges were dismissed as part of a plea agreement. A presentence investigation report was ordered and formal sentencing was set for Feb. 20.

Deron Manion, 36, of Park Hills, pleaded guilty to one count of failure to pay child support. Two other charges were dismissed as part of a plea agreement. A presentence investigation report was ordered and formal sentencing was set for Feb. 20.

David Rhodes, 40, of Farmington, pleaded guilty to failure to pay child support. Two other charges were dismissed as part of a plea agreement. A presentence investigation report was ordered and formal sentencing was set for Feb. 20.

Clayton Roland, 40, of Hillsboro, pleaded guilty to possession of a controlled substance. A presentence investigation report was ordered and formal sentencing was set for Feb. 20.

Donald Russell, 38, of Ste. Genevieve, pleaded guilty to failure to pay child support. A second charge was dismissed as part of a plea agreement. A presentence investigation report was ordered and formal sentencing was set for Feb. 20.

Joseph Stevens, 24, of Desloge, entered an Alford plea of guilty to second-degree burglary. By entering an Alford plea, he did not admit to any element of the charge. A tampering with a witness charge was dismissed as part of a plea agreement. His trial had been set for Jan. 22. A presentence investigation report was ordered and formal sentencing was set for Feb. 27.