Judge orders Neosho woman held without bond on federal meth trafficking charge

 A Neosho woman will be held without bond while awaiting trial on federal meth trafficking charges.

In his ruling U. S. District Court Judge David P. Rush said Cherie Copeland, 42, was a danger not only to the community, but to herself, noting a history of suicide attempts and untreated drug abuse problems.

The danger to the community, which was outlined in the government's detention motion not only involved the nature of her alleged crimes, but her connections with the Aryan Brotherhood prison gang in Oklahoma.







From Judge Rush's opinion:

Regarding the potential for failure to appear, the Court notes the nature of the instant offense and defendant’s criminal history which includes pending charges and an active warrant for failure to appear. 

The Court notes defendant’s lack of community ties through employment or property ownership (not limited to the district of arrest). The Court notes defendant’s current and historic substance abuse issues and current serious mental health issues that are unmediated. 

In addition, the Court notes defendant’s past suicide attempts. Regarding the potential danger to the community, the Court notes the nature of the instant offenses and defendant’s criminal history which includes prior DWI convictions. 

The Court notes defendant’s current and historic substance abuse issues and current mental health issues that are unmedicated. 

The Court also notes defendant’s past suicide attempts. The evidence at the detention hearing also established that following her arrest on the instant offense, defendant continued to engage in activity related to the offense and that during the offense conduct she was in contact with members of the Aryan Brotherhood prison gang. 

Based on all the foregoing, the Courts finds by a preponderance of the evidence that the defendant is a risk of flight and finds by clear and convincing evidence that the defendant is a danger to the community.