KANSAS CITY – An Excelsior Estates man has been convicted by a federal trial jury for his role in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Mark A. Whitworth, 65, was found guilty on June 9 of one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute. Following the presentation of evidence, the jury in the U.S. District Court in Kansas City deliberated for approximately five hours before returning guilty verdicts on both counts to U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Bough, ending a three-day trial that had begun June 7. Under federal statutes, Whitworth is subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in federal prison without parole, up to a life sentence in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the U.S. Probation Office. On Aug. 1...