Sikeston man gets five years in prison for drug activities

CAPE GIRARDEAU - A Sikeston man will spend the next five years in prison on charges of drug-related criminal activity.

Omawale Malachi Sims, 29, was sentenced Tuesday in federal court to 60 months in prison when he appeared before U.S. District Judge Henry E. Autrey. Sims was convicted of three felony counts of distribution of five grams or more of cocaine base.

On three separate occasions between Sept. 25 and Oct. 10, 2002, Sims sold more than five grams of cocaine base to an informant working with the Sikeston Department of Pubic Safety. The sales took place within the targeted Weed and Seed area of Sikeston.

"This prosecution typifies the continued dedication of local and federal law enforcement efforts to ensure that drug trafficking activities are curtailed with our Weed and Seed areas," said U.S. Attorney Raymond W. Gruender.

The Sikeston Department of Public Safety and the Drug Enforcement Administration worked together on the case.

Chad T. Tate, 30, of Lilbourn pled guilty Tuesday to one felony count of possessing a chemical, pseudoephedrine, knowing or having reasonable cause to believe that it would be used in the manufacture in methamphetamine. Sentencing was set for Oct. 8 with Tate facing a maximum punishment of 20 years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.

Tate was arrested Jan. 29 for driving while intoxicated. During a search of his vehicle by the Missouri State Highway Patrol, a trooper found two plastic bags containing pseudoephedrine pills.