A 30-year-old Hutchinson man convicted of meth related charges may finally be sentenced in the case that goes back to March of 2012.
Roberto Rincon was convicted for manufacture of methamphetamine, possession of ephedrine and lithium metal and anhydrous ammonia with intent to manufacture and possession of drug paraphernalia. Judge Trish Rose set a sentencing date of March 28, after she denied defense motions that the state argued should have been filed prior to a bench trial in the case. Defense Attorney Greg Meredith argued that he wanted a motion to suppress on the record because he believes the affidavit filed by law enforcement has serious issues that he believes may violate his clients constitutional rights. Other motions included a judgment of acquittal or a motion for a new trial.
Rincon had been found guilty by Judge Rose after a bench trial on stipulated facts. Rincon then requested a new attorney and also wanted someone else to sentence him instead of Judge Rose. That was denied by the judge. He then filed an affidavit with Administrative Judge Patty Macke-Dick in an effort to get a new sentencing judge which was also denied.
Law Enforcement did a traffic stop at 5th & Van Buren where they arrested Rincon on a warrant over the guns. It started with a search of his vehicle, as well as his home at 1612 West 4th, Apt G. During the pat down, Rincon allegedly had a black 380-caliber semi-automatic handgun on his person. He was then arrested and his vehicle taken to the law enforcement center to search for more weapons. When they opened the trunk, they allegedly discovered items suspected as being associated with the manufacture of methamphetamine. Another search warrant was served leading to the meth charges.
He also has another case pending trial where he is charged with criminal use of a weapon, in this case, a shotgun with a barrel less then 18-inches, or any firearm designed to discharge or capable of discharging automatically more then once by a single function of the trigger. This alleged crime occurring on March 10, 2012.