McCook men indicted on federal drug conspiracy

OMAHA -- Two McCook men have been indicted by the federal government on charges of drug possession, conspiracy and intent to distribute.

Christopher T. Ott, 27, no known address, was arrested Friday, Sept. 20, at the intersection of West J and U.S. Highway 83. Rick K. Malcolm, 49, of 411 E. Third, was arrested Saturday, Sept. 21, in McCook.

Malcolm appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Thomas D. Thalken and was arraigned Sept. 24.

According to U.S. Attorney Mike Heavican and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Malcolm is charged with (Count 1) conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, 500 grams or more (but less than five kilograms) of cocaine and less than 50 kilograms of marijuana; and (Count 2) possession with intent to distribute marijuana.

The crimes are alleged to have happened June 1, 1999, and May 31, 2001. Count 1 is punishable by 10 years in prison, a $4,000 fine and at least five years of supervised release. Count 2 is punishable by five years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and not less than two years of supervised release. The indictment also seeks forfeiture of $4,690.

A motions hearing is scheduled Monday, Oct. 28 before Judge Thalken. According to a press release from Heavican this morning, Malcolm has been released.

Ott appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen A. Jaudzemis and was arraigned Sept. 24. He is charged with possession with intent to distribute more than 50 grams (but less than 500 grams) of methamphetamine, punishable by five to 40 years in prison, a $4,000 fine and five years of supervised release.

According to Heavican and the McCook Police Department, the crime is alleged to have happened June 13, 2002, at the J Street and highway intersection. Ott was released from custody; no date has been set for his next court appearance.