February 12, 2009

 Drug Deal Leads To Robbery Charges

The McCracken County Sheriff Department Drug Division received information alleging that a Paducah man was attempting to sell a quantity of Crack Cocaine. The man was identified as Rodricus R. Morris of McGuire Avenue. An investigation was launched and ultimately resulted in detectives utilizing an undercover agent to correspond with Morris and another male individual. The second individual was identified as being Anthony J. McClure, also of McGuire Avenue. The agent made several taped phone calls to both individuals and arranged to purchase one and one half (1 1/2) ounces of Crack Cocaine for a price of $1200.00.

On 02/11/09 the undercover agent contacted the individuals in efforts to set up the transaction. Subsequently, the Cocaine sell was agreed to take place on a parking lot located at 3301 Lone Oak Road. On this same date (02/11/09) at approximately 18:33 p.m., the individuals in questioned arrived at the agreed location as passengers in a 2008 Kia. The driver of the vehicle was identified as being John G. Seigart of Brookport IL. Upon their arrival Morris got into the vehicle with the undercover agent and began negotiating the transaction. Morris revealed a smaller quantity of Cocaine than had been requested to the agent and inquired if they had the money for the deal or not. Once the money was revealed to Morris he grabbed the agents hand in a struggle to grab the money from them. After a brief struggle over the money Morris was unsuccessful in obtaining it and he fled from the agents vehicle and proceeded to exit the area in the 2008 Kia. Detectives had already detected the problem and was subsequently moving in to take down the vehicle along with the occupants. The vehicle was blocked in as the driver was attempting to exit the parking lot onto Lone Oak Road.

The three individuals were transported to the McCracken County Sheriff's Department where interviews ensued. Morris and McClure admitted that they had preplanned to Rob the individual of there money, obviously unaware of them being an undercover agent of the McCracken County Sheriff's Department. The driver of the vehicle, Seigart, admitted that he was also aware of what had transpired, referring to the Robbery, adding he assisted by attempting to provide their getaway. Morris also admitted that he had been selling Cocaine for the past approximate six (6) months.

A search of the vehicle and the individuals persons revealed a quantity of Cocaine, Cocaine residue bag, and several hundred dollars in US Currency.

All three individuals were arrested and transported to the McCracken County Regional Jail without incident.

ARRESTED: Morris, Rodricus R.   20 years of age
                Of McGuire Avenue

CHARGES: Robbery In The Second Degree
                Trafficking In A Controlled Substance First Degree (Cocaine)

ARRESTED: McClure, Anthony J.   21 years of age
                Of McGuire Avenue

CHARGES: Complicity To Robbery In The Second Degree
                Complicity To Trafficking In A Controlled Substance First Degree (Cocaine)

ARRESTED:  Seigart, John G.     40 years of age
                Of Brookport

CHARGES:  Complicity To Robbery In The Second Degree
                Possession Of A Controlled Substance First Degree (Cocaine)

The Kentucky State Police assisted with the operation.

Robbery Second Degree is a Class C Felony and punishable up to ten (10) years in prison if convicted.

End Of Report

Det. Sgt. Matt Carter
McCracken County Sheriff Department Drug Division