By BOB GIBBINS
Cherokee County prosecutors have filed a felony and two misdemeanors against an area man after his arrest by Tahlequah police earlier this month.
Gary Wayne Baxter, 32, was formally charged this week with two counts of possession of controlled drug and a count of possession of paraphernalia. One of the controlled drug counts, possession of marijuana, is filed as a misdemeanor.
The felony count alleges Baxter had methamphetamine Oct. 17. The paraphernalia count stems from Baxter’s alleged possession of scales and rolling papers.
Baxter is free on bonds totaling $16,000. He is scheduled to be formally arraigned Nov. 10. Assistant District Attorney David Pierce is prosecuting the case.
Department of Corrections records show Baxter was released from prison in April 2007 after serving a sentence for a felony possession of marijuana charge from LeFlore County. He also has convictions for possession of controlled drug and a firearms count.
The new possession of controlled drug count is punishable by two to 10 years in prison. The misdemeanors have year-long sentences.
