The mayor of the city of Cape Girardeau releases a statement following the arrest of a former city councilman

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KFVS) – A Cape Girardeau city councilman has announced his resignation after a drug investigation in Cape Girardeau County led to his arrest on drug and weapons charges.

54-year-old Rhettney “Rhett” Pierce is charged with aggravated drug trafficking and two counts of unlawful possession of a weapon.

On Saturday, September 28, Pierce announced his resignation from the Cape Girardeau City Council.

“In light of the recent allegations, I believe that resigning from my position on the City Council would be in the best interest of my constituents and the City of Cape Girardeau. “Thank you all for your support and I would appreciate it if you would withhold judgment and allow the justice system to function,” Pierce said.

His first court appearance is scheduled for Monday afternoon, September 30th.

According to court documents filed in the case, Pierce is accused of going to an unnamed hotel on Thursday, Sept. 26 and purchasing methamphetamine. Police arrested Pierce immediately after he left the hotel room and reported finding more than 122 grams of meth in his possession.

According to the Cape Girardeau County Sheriff’s Office, Pierce admitted to buying and selling meth during an interview. They say he also admitted to being a habitual meth user.

Those documents also show that a search of Pierce’s home turned up more meth and two 9mm handguns.

Cape Girardeau voters elected Pierce to the City Council in April to represent District 5.

His bail was set at $50,000, cash only. He was released on bond Friday, according to the Cape Girardeau County Jail.

The same day Pierce announced his resignation, the City of Cape Girardeau released a statement on behalf of Mayor Stacy Kinder.

“Criminal charges against an elected official can be discouraging and lead to a loss of community trust in their government. It is important to me to emphasize that the Cape City Government is committed to operating in accordance with local, state and federal law. Our employees and elected officials are expected to strive for the ideals set forth in our founding documents, with a strong moral compass and a sense of duty to protect and serve our citizens. We can do this best in collaboration with the public. So please do not hesitate to establish productive, direct communication with the city council and the city administration.”

The City Council will fill the vacant Ward 5 seat with a majority vote at the next regular City Council meeting on Monday, October 7th. District 5 residents interested in serving in this appointed seat must go to City Hall to pick up an application. Proof of 90 days of residency in District 5 is required. The application and a financial disclosure form must be submitted to City Clerk Gayle Conrad by Friday, October 4, 3:00 p.m.

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