Thursday, December 29, 2016

Federal judge: Joplin man to be held without bond on meth dealing, weapons charges

A federal judge today ordered that James E. LaRue, 40, Joplin, who is charged with one count of distributing a controlled substance (methamphetamines), four counts of selling a controlled substance, one count of unlawful transport of firemars and one count of using firearms in a criminal activity should be held without bond.

In his decision, Judge David Rush noted the severity of the charges against LaRue:

An indictment has been returned alleging a violation of the Controlled Substances Act, for which there is a maximum period of imprisonment of ten years or more. There is therefore a rebuttable presumption that there are no conditions which would reasonably assure the defendant’s appearance at all proceedings, as required, and the safety of other persons and/or the community. Based on the evidence presented at the hearing, there are no conditions the Court can impose that would reasonably assure the safety of other persons or the community. 

 Regarding the potential danger to the community, the Court notes the nature of the instant offense and defendant’s criminal history involving prior arrests and convictions, violent behavior history, and a pattern of similar criminal activity history. In addition, the Court notes defendant’s extensive substance abuse history.

LaRue was initially arrested after the Joplin Police Department and the Ozarks Drug Enforcement team executed a search warrant December 15, 2015, at 1202 South Murphy, Joplin.

Though LaRue was arrested for manufacturing a controlled substance, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and receiving stolen property, according to a news release from the Ozarks Drug Enforcement Team, Jasper County Circuit Court records indicate the only charge Jasper County Prosecuting Attorney Dean Dankelson filed against LaRue was possession of a controlled substance.

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