Robert J. Lingle, Methamphetamine Distribution and Assaulting Officer, Missouri 2013

Local Man Bites Officer, Sentenced to 5 Years in Prison

Kansas City, MO – In a shocking turn of events, Robert J. Lingle, a 43-year-old Independence man, was sentenced to 5 years in federal prison without parole for his role in a methamphetamine distribution ring and assaulting a federal law enforcement officer.

On January 4, 2013, Lingle pleaded guilty to possessing five grams or more of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute and to assaulting a federal law enforcement officer. Lingle admitted that he agreed to sell methamphetamine to a source who was cooperating in a law enforcement investigation.

When officers approached Lingle, he fled, leading to a foot chase. During the chase, Lingle removed a loaded Rohm .22-caliber revolver from his pants, but was ordered to drop the weapon. After Lingle continued to run, an officer grabbed him, and a struggle ensued.

Lingle attempted to eat the plastic bags of methamphetamine, but the officer was able to remove the narcotics from his mouth and toss them aside. Lingle then grabbed the officer’s arm and intentionally bit him on his hand, breaking skin and drawing blood.

This case was prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Leena Ramana. It was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department.

Robert J. Lingle, 43, of Independence, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Beth Phillips to five years in federal prison without parole. The crime occurred in Independence, Missouri.

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