Southeast Missouri Methamphetamine Dealer Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison

CAPE GIRARDEAU - U.S. District Judge John A. Ross on Tuesday sentenced a man caught with more than four pounds of meth to 10 years in prison.

Craig M. Perkins, now 55, pleaded guilty in March to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. He admitted as part of his plea that during a court approved search of his home in Howardville, in New Madrid County, on May 21, 2025, investigators found about 4.2 pounds of meth. They found half an ounce of meth and 36 rounds of ammunition in a vehicle in the driveway. His phone contained text messages indicative of drug trafficking and photos of firearms and Perkins displaying large stacks of cash.

A motion filed in July of 2025 seeking to have Perkins held in jail until trial says that he has been a drug dealer in New Madrid County since at least 2002, and supplied dealers who sold meth to customers. The search of Perkins' home followed seven purchases of meth from two of those dealers, the motion says.

The Southeast Missouri Drug Task Force and the Missouri State Highway patrol investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Shelton prosecuted the case.