The photo shows a clean-shaven, well-groomed Reichert getting on the elevator Friday morning
MURPHYSBORO, Ill. - Day two (Friday, July 27) of Christian Reichert’s trial began with Jackson County State’s Attorney Mike Carr presenting more video/audio snippets of Reichert’s interrogation after his arrest.
At one point in the vid, it was plain to see Reichert begin to sob and immediately that was cut off from the jury and others in the courtroom. It did show him ask that his family not be harmed.
Reichert is charged with Conspiracy to Manufacture or Deliver Cannabis over 5,000 grams, a Class 1 Felony, and an additional charge of Conspiracy to Commit Cannabis Trafficking over 5,000 grams, a Class X felony.
Other testimony from two of the movers and shakers involved with cannabis distribution stated they had received more than 50 pounds from Brandon Jones, not Christian Reichert. Only one admitted ever meeting him and that was at a party.
William Michael (Mikey) Cummins
Reichert is one of five men charged in Jackson County in this situation, and is the only one being tried separately. Eldorado resident William Mikey Cummins previously plead Guilty and received probation and a stiff fine: $36,667, $25,000 of which has been paid out of his bond money.
Regular readers will recall that Cummins was busted in late 2015 in Harrisburg with a weapon, delivery amounts of pot, and a huge wad of cash, which may or may not be what kicked this whole thing off. Cummins is “connected,” as well, which means that no matter which way it goes, it appears he’s being shown favor (this deference might be because one of Cummins’ relatives either is or has been an employee of Harrisburg attorney Robert Wilson, as we’ve covered in past articles.)
Xavier McCray, Alex Karcher and Xavier Lewis, all arrested in the wake of a police officer shooting in the summer of 2016. We've not heard about the Xaviers yet.
Brandon Jones and Jared Jones, childhood friends of Reichert, and Alex Karcher of Kansas are set for trial next month. Karcher is being represented by a firm in Kansas, who hired local attorney David Lawler to attend Karcher’s hearings in their absence until the trial. A representative from Lawler’s office is attending Reichert’s trial, taking notes.
The alleged 'stash house' on LOE Road
A Carbondale attorney testified he rented Reichert the “stash house” on Power Plant Road for the owner who lived in Florida. It was rented through Craigslist. Rent was $1,275 monthly. He had to pay first and last month’s rent plus $1,000 deposit, total being $3,550, and sign a year’s lease.
Also the man that sold Reichert the car that belonged to his son identified Reichert as being the purchaser of the car for $2,500 and noted that Alex Karcher was with Reichert at the time of sale.
The guy that sold them the car recognized Karcher as the one being with Christian when he saw Karcher’s picture in the paper and he had a black eye (see above pic).
More testimony will pick up on Monday; be watching for coverage.