Tuesday, February 05, 2019

Federal judge orders Galena man held without bond on meth trafficking charges

In an order issued today, U. S. District Court Judge David P. Rush ordered Carroll Flowers, 68, Galena, held without bond while awaiting trial on meth trafficking charges.

Rush wrote that evidence presented by the government during a detention hearing last week indicated there were no conditions that could be placed on Flowers that would ensure the safety of the community.

Rush also noted Flowers' "substance abuse history and recent usage" as well as "mental health issues."

"Based on all the foregoing, the Court finds by clear and convincing evidence that the defendant is a danger to the community."





The detention motion had noted Flowers' prior Missouri felony conviction for distribution of a controlled substance and a prior federal conviction for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Flowers was serving a 20-year sentence in a federal penitentiary when President Barack Obama commuted his sentence in 2017. Flowers was placed on supervised probation after the commutation.

Flowers and Melissa Lowry, 43, Joplin, were charged with conspiracy to distribute and possession of methamphetamine.

Lowry faces an additional charge of selling methamphetamine.

The acts allegedly took place between December 6 and December 13, 2017, according to the indictment.

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