On Tuesday, October 3, 2017, BECKA A. TIPTON, d/o/b: 10-26-1972, of Springfield, Missouri, entered a guilty plea to the class C felony of trafficking drugs in the second degree in front of Circuit Court Judge Tony W. Williams. The plea was entered pursuant to a plea agreement with the Taney County Prosecutor’s office.

On January 15, 2017, Tipton was stopped by a Missouri State Highway Patrol Trooper for speeding on US Highway 65, north of Branson. When Tipton was contacted, the trooper smelled the strong odor of marijuana. Upon questioning, Tipton admitted to having methamphetamine in her purse. Troopers also discovered two plastic baggies outside of the vehicle containing what they believed to be methamphetamine. All of the substances were sent to the state crime lab where it was discovered Tipton had possessed over 100 grams of methamphetamine.

Normally, trafficking drugs is a class C felony that carries between three (3) and ten (10) years in the Missouri Department of Corrections, but Tipton is a prior and persistent felony offender, enhancing her possible maximum punishment to fifteen (15) years. Pursuant to a plea agreement, the prosecutor’s office will argue for a twelve (12) year prison sentence. Sentencing is scheduled for December 5, 2017, at 9:00 a.m.