More Felony Charges to be Filed in Meth Lab Bust

By Chris Sorensen

KCP Staff

May 14, 2004

Additional charges stemming from a raid last week on a methamphetamine lab south of Eads are expected to be filed by the District Attorney’s office this week.

Fredric Earl Cochran, 46, of Eads, is expected to be charged with a count of possession of a schedule II controlled substance (oxycodone), a class 2 felony, unlawful possession of material to make methamphetamine, a class 3 felony, and as a special offender since a deadly weapon was displayed, possessed or available during the manufacture of a schedule II controlled substance. Special offender status can double sentencing terms.

Cochran was charged last week with possession of a schedule II controlled substance and unlawful manufacture of a schedule II controlled substance. Both are class 2 felonies due to a prior conviction involving dangerous drugs.

Gerald James Bersche, 50, of Lamar and Colorado Springs, is facing additional charges of possession of a schedule II controlled substance, a class 3 felony, unlawful possession of material to make methamphetamine, a class 3 felony, and as a special offender.

Bersche was charged last week for possession of a schedule II controlled substance, a class 4 felony, and unlawful manufacture of a schedule II controlled substance, a class 3 felony.

A third suspect, who has not yet been publicly identified, will be charged with two counts of possession of a schedule II controlled substance, manufacture of a schedule II controlled substance, and unlawful possession of material to manufacture a schedule II controlled substance. All are class 3 felonies. The suspect is expected to be charged as a special offender as well.

Evidence found at the scene, including laboratory glassware as well as receipts for large amounts of "precursor" materials, such as iodine, matches, hydrogen peroxide and cold/allergy medication, points to an extensive, organized and ongoing operation. The investigation will continue.