JEFFERSON CITY — Dametrell Koda Washington, 27, appeared Friday in the central division of the U.S. Western District Court of Missouri in Jefferson City.
Magistrate Judge William Knox allowed him to remain in state custody to serve time for a prior conviction; assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony P. Gonzalez has submitted a request for a detention hearing for Washington if he is released on parole before the July 20 trial.
Washington is charged with conspiring to distribute controlled substances, possessing with intent to distribute at least 50 grams of cocaine base and being a felon in possession of firearms. He entered a plea of not guilty on all charges and was provided with an attorney, Kurt Valentine.
Demarco Laron Burnett, 24, another suspected member of the Cut Throat gang, also appeared in federal court Friday. He is charged with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and two counts of possessing with intent to distribute cocaine base. He has entered a plea of not guilty.
Burnett's provided attorney, Brian Risley, said he and Burnett do not oppose detainment; Burnett will therefore remain in state custody until the trial.
Washington and Burnett are part of the 16-person, 34-count indictment against the suspected Cut Throat gang. Nine other accused members have been detained until the July 20 trial; five more are in state custody for prior convictions and will have their first appearances in court relating to this indictment in the next two weeks.