USA v. Cowherd

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE
WESTERN DISTRICT OF MISSOURI
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Plaintiff,
-vs- 	Criminal Action No.
25-00173-01-CR-W-BP
ERIC A. COWHERD,
Defendant.
_____________________________________
MEMORANDUM OF MATTERS DISCUSSED AND
ACTION TAKEN AT PRETRIAL CONFERENCE
The following matters were discussed and action taken during the pretrial conference:
PENDING CHARGES: 	Count One: Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine,
in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(B)
Count Two: Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of Drug
Trafficking, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A)
Count Three: Felon in Possession of a Firearm, in violation of 18
U.S.C. §§ 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8)
TRIAL COUNSEL:
Government: Robert Smith
Case Agent: Detective Josh Gena – Independence, Missouri Police Department
Defense: Marc Ermine; Investigator Gina Slack may assist
OUTSTANDING MOTIONS: None
ANTICIPATED MOTIONS: None
TRIAL WITNESSES:
Government: 4-5 with stipulations; 7 without stipulations
Defense: 2 witnesses; it is unknown whether Defendant will testify
TRIAL EXHIBITS:
Government: 20 exhibits
Defense: no additional exhibits
DEFENSES:
( x ) 	defense of general denial
( 	) 	defenses of general denial and _________________________________________
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POSSIBLE DISPOSITION:
( 	) Definitely for trial 	( 	) Possibly for trial
( 	) Motion to continue to be filed 	( x ) Likely a plea will be worked out
TRIAL TIME: 2 days
Government’s case including jury selection: 1 ½ days
Defense case: ½ day
STIPULATIONS:
( 	) 	not likely
( 	) 	not appropriate
( x ) 	would be proposed as to:
( 	) 	chain of custody
( 	) 	chemist’s reports
( x ) 	prior felony conviction
( x ) 	interstate nexus of firearm
( 	) 	other: ______________________________________________________
UNUSUAL QUESTIONS OF LAW: 	None
FILING DEADLINES:
Witness and Exhibit Lists:
Government: March 2, 2026
Defense: March 2, 2026
Counsel are requested to list witnesses in alphabetical order on their witness list.
Exhibit Index, Voir Dire, Jury Instructions: March 2, 2026
Jury instructions must comply with Local Rule 51.1
Motions in Limine: March 2, 2026
TRIAL SETTING: Criminal jury trial docket commencing March 16, 2026
Please note: 	No conflicts with the March trial docket were identified.
OTHER:
( 	) 	A _____________________-speaking interpreter is required.
( 	) 	Other assistive devices:
IT IS SO ORDERED.
/s/ Jill A. Morris
JILL A. MORRIS
United States Magistrate Judge
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