Madison Court tries on various charges

Chase Berger pleaded not guilty to two felonies at a pre-trial in the Madison County Courthouse on Tuesday afternoon. 

Berger, who was charged with unlawful drug distribution, could spend life in prison and receive a $50,000 fine.  He will return to court in a few weeks for an arraignment. 

There were several other pleas including Brent Blackwood who is being charged with trespassing, Eric Stilt who pleaded not guilty to marijuana possession and paraphernalia, and a teenager who pleaded guilty to a curfew violation. 

“What a boring day to observe,” said Madison County Judge Rammell, regarding the day’s proceedings. 

Judge Rammell also discussed a study showing Rexburg’s crime rate has increased 26% since 2007 and defended the city, citing its population increase as a probable culprit for the increase. 

He also discussed an upcoming case stemming from local law enforcement’s discovery of a home with children in it in Rexburg found to be infested with hundreds of mice. 

Pre-trial pleas are given each Tuesday at 2 p.m. at the Madison County Courthouse.