Joplin Man To Stand Trial For Meth, Guns, and Theft

A Joplin man will soon stand trial on drug, gun, and theft charges. 48-year-old Mark Burdge was charged with drug trafficking, theft, and unlawful possession of a firearm following a search warrant in May by the Ozark Drug Enforcement Team in south Joplin. ODET, with the assistance of several area agencies found four bags of meth, and more than a dozen guns- several of which were stolen. A slew of stolen property including several trailers, two motorcycles, and a four-wheeler were also recovered at the home on Highway 43. Burdge’s trial will begin March 18th in Newton County Court.