Gary W. Gillispie II appeared in person, in custody, for a bond reduction hearing on recently in the Seventh Judicial Circuit Court in Clay County. The 38-year-old Excelsior Springs resident is charged with one felony, trafficking drugs - second degree.

Division Seven Judge Louis Angles heard from the prosecution and Gillispie regarding a possible bond reduction.

The prosecution objected to any reduction, stating, “A confidential informant was sent to buy $40 worth of Fentanyl. The defendant sold Fentanyl powder to the confidential informant. The Clay County Drug Task Force executed a search warrant, where a substantial amount of white powder was found, which tested positive for Fentanyl. This is dangerous for the community.”

Judge Angles expressed concerns about Gillispie showing up for future court dates if the bond was reduced because he failed to appear for a court date in Excelsior Springs on February 8, this year.

The judge asked Gillispie about the failure to appear, to which he responded, “I don’t know anything about that.”

Angles ordered the current cash only bond of $20,000 be reduced to $20,000 cash or surety with bond conditions. A few of these conditions include: may not leave the state of Missouri, no use or possession of a controlled substance unless there is a legal prescription, will submit to random drug testing and may not speak to any co-defendants.

Although Gillispie was approved to have a public defender, one has not been assigned at this time. Because Gary did not yet have a public defender, a continuance was ordered until 9 a.m. April 11.

The Excelsior Springs Standard will continue ongoing coverage of this case.