Meth defendant guilty

Red Willow District Judge John Battershell has found guilty one of the five defendants accused of manufacturing the methamphetamine blamed for a flash fire that destroyed a rental house at 1307 East B in January.

Jason C. Stone, 19, of McCook, pleaded no contest to charges reduced from Class III felony manufacture of or possession of with intent to deliver methamphetamine to Class IIIA felony attempted manufacture of meth. In exchange for Stone's guilty or no contest plea and his testimony against his codefendants, the state also reduced Class III misdemeanor trespassing and Class IV felony criminal mischief charges -- in connection with a trespassing incident March 28 at Butler's Beef Acres south of McCook -- to Class I misdemeanor attempted criminal mischief.

Battershell found Stone guilty of both charges and ordered a presentence investigation by probation officers. His sentencing will be July 24 at 3 p.m.

Red Willow County Attorney Paul Wood told Battershell that Stone is "one of my prime witnesses," and suggested Battershell put Stone back in jail, "for his own good." Battershell revoked Stone's bond after reading an affidavit from a McCook Police Department officer who indicated Stone has been involved with alcohol and drugs since the January and March incidents. Battershell scheduled a bond hearing in one week.

Stone's codefendants Adesha Salas, 18, of Bartley; and Christopher Real and Joshua Knappert, both 18 and from McCook, were ordered to have no contact with Stone.

Each of the three is charged with Class III felony manufacture of or possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine. The maximum fine is 20 years in prison and a $25,000 fine, or both.

Each pleaded not guilty.

Battershell scheduled a four-day trial, Monday through Thursday, Aug. 26, 27, 28 and 29, at 9 a.m.

The bond on each was continued.

Salas's attorney, Arlan Wine, and Real's attorney, J. Bryant Brooks, will file motions for discovery and documents June 28, at 1 p.m.

The fifth defendant in the case, Benjamin Farr, 18, of McCook, was arraigned in district court May 10, and charged with attempted manufacture of and possession with intent to deliver meth, reduced from manufacture of methamphetamine and possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine in exchange for testimony against his codefendants.

Battershell ordered a presentence investigation and scheduled sentencing for July 9 at 1 p.m.