On January 28, 2012 members of the Maries County Sheriff's Office conducted a check out at Spring Creek Gab Conservation Area. During the course of the check Sheriff's Deputy Jason Comstock arrested Kevin Patrick age 44 of Rolla for possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of controlled substance. Patrick was transported to the Maries County Jail and later posted a $25,000.00 bond for his charges.

The Sheriff's Office has been investigating Spring Creek because of reports of suspected drug use taking place around this area. This is something that will not be tolerated. Conservation areas are made for public and family use. If you ever suspect illegal activity please contact the Maries County Sheriff's Office 573-422-3381 or the LANEG drug toll free tip line at 1-800-351-TIPS.

NOTICE: The above charges are mere accusations and are not evidence of guilt. Evidence in support of these charges must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence

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Maries County 5th graders graduated from the Jr. Deputy Sheriff's program. A total 38 of Vienna 5th Graders graduated from the Jr. Deputy Sheriff program. Junior Deputy Sheriff's have been trained in: the basic functions of a Sheriff's Deputy, drug awareness, alcohol awareness, safety at home, safety at school, firearms safety, and defensive tactics. This is the third year for the Maries County Jr. Deputy program, and I feel it has been a big success.

The Oath of a Jr. Deputy Sheriff

As a Junior Sheriff's Deputy, I pledge to obey all laws, show respect to all persons, obey my parents, not to use or abuse drugs or alcohol, be responsible for my actions, and support the Maries County Sheriff's Office to the best of my ability.

The following students graduated from the Vienna Jr. Deputy program:

Cheyenne Murdie and Jordyn Steffen were named by their teachers as Outstanding Jr. Deputies. During the graduation the outstanding Jr. Deputies read their essay to the crowd.

The Jr. Deputy Sheriff program will begin in the Belle Schools in February.

Thanks to our sponsers the Jr. Deputy Sheriff program is offtered to all Maries County 5th Graders at no cost to the schools. Please go by and thank our sponsors:

Maries County Bank

Mid America Bank

MACE Supermarket

If you would like to sponsor the Jr. Deputy program next year please contact the Sheriff's Office.

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During the evening hours on January 4, 2012 Sheriff's Deputy Tyler Midkiff conducted a traffic stop on Highway 68 near Vichy. Sheriff's Deputies requested the Maries County K-9 unit. A passenger Thomas C. Murdick age 43 of St. Louis had an outstanding warrant out of St. Louis. The K-9 alerted on the vehicle, and Sheriff's Deputies discovered several separate bags containing a suspected illegal controlled substance, and suspected drug paraphernalia. The bags were packaged in a manner to be distributed.

Sheriff's Deputies arrested the driver Melissa S. Bemis age 31 of Godfrey Illinois, and Thomas C. Murdick for possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. Bemis and Murdick were taken to the Maries County Jail.

Maries County Prosecutor Terry Schwartz charged Bemis and Murdick with possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance a class B felony. Judge Kerry Rowden issued warrants on Bemis and Murdick and they both remain in the Maries County Jail on a $50,000.00 bond.

I have to commend Sheriff's Deputy Midkiff on his performance with this case. These subjects were allegedly transporting these drugs from the St. Louis area to our county to sell. Maries County Sheriff's Office has a zero tolerance drug policy, and we will not tolerate people bringing drugs into our county.

As always if you have any crime tips please contact the Maries County Sheriff's Office at 573-422-3381, or for drug tips contact the Lake Area Narcotics Enforcement Group toll free drug tip line at 1-800-351-TIPS (you may remain anonymous).

NOTICE: The above charges are mere accusations and are not evidence of guilt. Evidence in support of these charges must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence

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Members of the Maries County Sheriff's Office had an active New Years Eve and New Years. The Sheriff's Office had a total of 123 calls for service between New Years Eve and New Years Day.

Despite a lot of activity members of the Sheriff's Office only arrested one person for DWI. I was extremely happy that we did not have any problems or apprehend any DWI offenders at or coming from the local bars. I was informed that a lot of the bars offered a taxi service. The local bars taking this type of initiative is very responsible and could have possibly saved a life.

NOTICE: The above charges are mere accusations and are not evidence of guilt. Evidence in support of these charges must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence

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The Maries County Sheriff's Office had a very productive year in 2011. We had 20,253 calls for services. A call for service is logged anytime some contacts the Sheriff’s Office in need of a Sheriff's Deputy, EMS, or Fire Personnel. We investigated a total of 1,218 reportable incidents in 2011, and the Maries County Jail booked a total of 449 inmates.

We were able to update our fleet of patrol vehicles, and add a K-9 Unit to the Sheriff's Office. Being fiscally conservative at the Sheriff's Office I was able to end the year with over a $20,000.00 surplus. Even with the small tax increase the Sheriff's Office still operated with less funds then what was used for the Sheriff's Office in 2007. The tax increase allowed me to keep our 911 system operating and kept me from laying off any current Sheriff Deputies. I appreciate everyone who supported the tax increase, and the Sheriff's Office in general.

We are currently in the process of updating our 911 and dispatch center, which is long overdue. We will be adding a recording device to our phone lines, and all our radio communication. Maries County is one of the few counties who currently do not record their 911 lines, phone lines, and emergency radio traffic. Having this recorder will reduce the liability on the county, and allow us to better serve and protect our citizens. I am hoping that with additional grant money applied for through the state that will be able to update our entire communication/911 center in 2012.

I have to take a moment to thank Sheriff's Deputy Mike Bonham who has donated numerous hours to the county, and has been working very hard on obtaining grant funds to improve the Sheriff's Office and our 911 center. In 2011 Deputy Bonham successfully obtained $10,000.00 in grant funds to improve our Sheriff's Office. Deputy Bonham has also completed a grant application to improve our 911/Communication center for nearly $50,000.00 in funds, which I anticipate to receive in 2012.

In 2011 Missouri topped the charts again for Meth Labs. From January 1, 2011 to November 31, 2011 the state of Missouri has already totaled 1,889 meth labs. Maries County ranked fairly high on the chart totaling 16 meth labs. Considering Maries County only has around 8,000 residents we rank to high with the number of labs we have. The Maries County Sheriff's Office in conjunction with the Lake Area Narcotics Enforcement Group and other local law enforcement agencies have worked extremely hard in 2011 to combat our drug problem in Maries County. As always if you have any drug related information you are urged to contact your local law enforcement or the LANEG drug toll free tip line at 1-800-351-TIPS.



Your Sheriff,
Chris Heitman

NOTICE: The above charges are mere accusations and are not evidence of guilt. Evidence in support of these charges must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence

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Members of the Maries County Sheriff's Office arrested Walther L. Gollaher age 32 of Hannibal Missouri and Michael D. Rickey age 43 also of Hannibal Missouri. Both Gollaher and Rickey are already convicted felons, and they attempted to scam a 78 year old female, and an 85 year old male out of nearly $4,000.00.

Gollaher and Rickey are both fugitives and have been evading law enforcement for nearly 5 years. Gollaher is currently wanted out of Monroe County, and Ralls County. Rickey is currently wanted out of Sumner County for two counts of felony stealing by deceit, he is also wanted out of Adams County for Felony Fraud, out of Dent County for felony stealing by deceit, and he is also wanted out of Pettis County.

It is believed that these two subjects have also committed this crime in the surrounding area, and if you have or know someone who has possibly been scammed by either of these subjects please contact your local law enforcement agency.

Both Gollaher and Rickey remain in the Maries County Jail pending additional charges.

"It is a shame when people try to take advantage of the elderly, and I feel this is one of the worst crimes someone can commit. Remember to check a company out before using them to avoid being scammed."

***UPDATE TO FOLLOW****

NOTICE: The above charges are mere accusations and are not evidence of guilt. Evidence in support of these charges must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence

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On November 30, 2011 members of the Maries County Sheriff's Office responded to a report of an intoxicated driver traveling down Ball Park Road just outside of Vienna. As Deputies were traveling behind the vehicle it nearly struck a bridge on the wrong side of the roadway. After further investigation Deputies arrested Edward G Pecher 3rd age 48 of Holts Summit for Felony DWI, Felony Driving While Suspended, and Careless and Imprudent Driving. While attempting to arrest Pecher he resisted arrest, and Deputies were later forced to use pepper spray on him.

Pecher has an extensive criminal history, and he is a chronic DWI offender. It should be noted that upon reviewing Pecher's criminal and driving history it showed the following: on 06-20-2001 a guilty plea for no driver's license out of Boone County Circuit Court, on 5-10-2006 a guilty plea for DWI out of Holts Summit, on 09-04-2007 a guilty plea for excessive BAC out of Callaway County Circuit Court, on 01-22-2008 a guilty plea for operated a vehicle without a valid drivers license out of Callaway County Circuit Court, on 1-11-2008 a guilty plea for Resisting Arrest out of Callaway County Circuit Court, on 05-02-2011 a guilty plea for DWI out of Callaway County Circuit Court, on 08-01-2011 a guilty plea for DWI out of Cole County Circuit Court, on 08-01-2011 a guilty plea for driving while suspended out of Cole County, along with an extensive driving and criminal history.

Pecher remains in the Maries County Jail pending warrant application.

"The Maries County Sheriff's Office will be out in full force this holiday season, attempting to locate drivers like this who are a great danger to the general public. I ask that citizens don't get mad when they are pulled over, but rather be appreciative that my Sheriff's Deputies are out there doing their job, and protecting you and your family."

"We have had too many fatal DWI offenses in Maries County, and I don't want to see another one on my watch."

Sheriff Chris Heitman

***UPDATE TO FOLLOW***

NOTICE: The above charges are mere accusations and are not evidence of guilt. Evidence in support of these charges must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence

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On November 27, 2011 members of the Maries County Sheriff's Office responded to the Union Hill Baptist Church located on Highway 42 for a break-in. After further investigation it was discovered that a male subject from Owensville, who had been released from the Maries County Jail the night before, had broken out the window of the church then kicked in the back door.

The male subject had vented the propane tank and he was huffing the expelling propane. It appeared as if the male subject had passed out while huffing the propane and it was still venting in his facial region. The male subject was pronounced dead at the scene by the Maries County Coroner.

"Huffing," or inhaling volatile substances, is becoming increasingly popular among children, especially among 12- to 14-year-olds (Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, 1998;152(8):781--786), and adults. Huffing can kill the very first time someone experiments with it. Alarmingly, about 17% of eighth-graders report having done it (National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2004). It is a cheaper "high" for drug users, but it is a very deadly high. Additionally, this type of drug abuse is hard to stop or make arrests for, because cannot outlaw propane or other inhalants.

As always if you have any drug related information please contact the Maries County Sheriff's Office at 573-422-3381, or the LANEG drug toll free tip line at 1-800-351-TIPS.

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***UPDATE***

On November 8, 2011 John D. Mazurek age 24 of Crocker was in Maries County Court for a preliminary hearing. The Honorable Kerry Rowden bound Mazurek over for trial after hearing the states evidence. Mazurek is currently charged with Involuntary Manslaughter for the death of Wilberta Randolph, and he has been charged with felony assault. Mazurek may also be facing another Involuntary Manslaughter charge because the other passenger Helen Wieberg of Jefferson City has also died as a result of her injuries during the accident. It is expected that Mazurek will also be charged with DWI after the blood results return for the Highway Patrol lab.

"I have to commend Maries County Prosecutor Terry Schwartze for her hard work with this case."

NOTICE: The above charges are mere accusations and are not evidence of guilt. Evidence in support of these charges must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence

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Members of the Maries County Sheriff's Office has arrested Calvin L. Hollis age 38 of Vienna for the theft of the wood stove on Highway AA just outside of Vienna. The Maries County Prosecutor has charged Hollis with felony stealing. Members of the Maries County Sheriff's Office has also submitted probable cause statement to the Osage County Prosecutor for Arthur Maness age 51 of Bland for receiving stolen property.

The wood stove was worth approximately $8,000.00 and has since been recovered.

NOTICE: The above charges are mere accusations and are not evidence of guilt. Evidence in support of these charges must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence

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Sheriff Chris Heitman, is announcing the availability of the John Dennis Scholarship, for Criminal Justice majors only, which will be awarded by the Missouri Sheriffs' Association. The scholarship, in the amount of one-thousand dollars, will be presented to sixteen college-bound Missouri high school seniors who intend to pursue a criminal justice career and will be attending a Missouri college or university. Applicants must be in good standing with their school, have a good reference from their school counselor, demonstrate financial need, have a 2.0 GPA or greater, and be active in extra-curricular activities. Also required, a paragraph attached to the application detailing goals ten years after high school graduation.

Students interested in applying for the scholarship may contact the
Missouri Sheriffs' Association and Training Academy
6605 Business 50 West
Jefferson City, MO 65109
573-635-5925, extension 100;

or send an email to karen@mosheriffs.com to obtain an application.

Applications must be submitted by January 31, 2012.

"I am encouraging anyone interested in Criminal Justice to apply for this scholarship."

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UPDATE

Additional charges have been filed on Kevin R. Jennings for felony possession of controlled substance, felony endangering the welfare of a child 1st Degree, and unlawful use of drug paraphernalia. The Honorable Kerry Rowden set Jennings bond at $50,000.00. Also, arrested and charged in this case is Shanda M. Puckett age 32 of Waynesville. Puckett has been charged with felony possession of controlled substance, felony endangering the welfare of a child 1st Degree, and unlawful use of drug paraphernalia. The Honorable Kerry Rowden set Puckett's bond at $50,000.00. Both subjects remain in the Maries County Jail.

As Sheriff I will not tolerate the mistreatment and neglect of children. It is a shame that innocent children have to suffer, and what type of a chance will a child have if their parents neglect them for drugs? Please do the right thing, and report illegal drug use, especially when a child is involved. You can contact the Maries County Sheriff's Office at 573-422-3381 or LANGE toll free drug tip line at 1-800-351-TIPS.

NOTICE: The above charges are mere accusations and are not evidence of guilt. Evidence in support of these charges must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence

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Members of the Maries County Sheriff's Office will be conducting random seatbelt checks of vehicles as parents drop off and pick up their children at school. This is an effort to increase awareness of children's seats and safety belts, and hopefully this will help keep our kids safe.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motor vehicle accidents and crashes are the leading cause of death for children ages 3 to 14. This statistic makes properly installed child safety seats a top priority for parents. A properly installed car seat, one that is installed according to the directions and use guidelines, greatly reduces the risk of a potentially fatal injury in babies and children. Child seat inspection stations across the country will verify if the seat is installed properly. The best car seat fits a child's weight, size and age as well as the vehicle the seat is placed in and has a label that says the seat meets or exceeds Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213.

Infants, from birth to age 1 and between 20 and 22 lbs. should use a rear-facing seat in the back seat. Use the Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children, LATCH, and system to lock the car seat in to the car and adjust the chest clip to the armpit level. Check the tightness of the straps and seat before each car ride. The head should be at least 2 inches below the top of the safety seat.

Toddler seats are used for children older than age 1 and more than 22 lbs. up to 40 lbs. These seats are forward-facing in the back seat. Use the LATCH system to lock the car seat into the car. Pull the harness tight so there is no room to pinch the webbing at the shoulder.

Booster seats are used for children weighing between 80 and 100 lbs. and average around 4 feet, 9 inches tall. For most kids, this is between ages 8 to 12. These seats are used when kids are too small to be properly restrained by seat belts but too big for full car seats.

Parents who do not buckle up their children could face up to six months in jail and or up to a $500.00 fine.

NOTICE: The above charges are mere accusations and are not evidence of guilt. Evidence in support of these charges must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence

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During the evening hours of October 13, 2011 Sergeant Brian Brennan, and members of the Lake Area Narcotics Enforcement Group arrested Kevin R. Jennings age 29 of Dixon. Jennings had several active felony warrants for his arrest including three warrants out of Pulaski County, and a felony warrant out of Phelps County for drug charges.

While arresting Jennings at his residence located at 14077 Rogers Creek Road near Dixon Sheriff's Deputies located numerous items of drug paraphernalia, and suspected Heroin. Sheriff's Deputies removed a four year old child from the residence. Jennings is also currently out on bond for felony drug related charged from when members of the Maries County Sheriff's Office and Lake Area Narcotics Enforcement Group executed a search warrant at his residence in March.

Jennings who remains in the Maries County Jail is now facing addition charges for felony possession of controlled substance, unlawful use of drug paraphernalia, and felony endangering the welfare of a child 1st Degree.

"It was a very disturbing scene and no child should be exposed to this type of environment. Scenes like this make you realize how drugs really do control your life, and how drug users put drugs before their own child."

Anyone with drug information should contact LANEG at 1-800-351-TIPS or your local law enforcement agency.

***UPDATE TO FOLLOW***

NOTICE: The above charges are mere accusations and are not evidence of guilt. Evidence in support of these charges must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence

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Members of the Maries County Sheriff's Office are investigating a theft of an outside wood furnace on Maries County Road 533 near Vienna. The wood stove was hooked up and the theft would have required at least two people.

If anyone has any information about the theft please contact the Maries County Sheriff's Office at 573-422-3381.

A reward may be given for information leading to the arrest of the suspects.

NOTICE: The above charges are mere accusations and are not evidence of guilt. Evidence in support of these charges must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence

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On October 3, 2011 Sheriff's Deputy Andy Klosterman responded to Maries County Road 527 for a report of a suspicious vehicle. Sheriff's Deputies located the suspicious vehicle parked on Maries County Road 527. During the course of Deputies investigation they located suspected methamphetamine related drug paraphernalia. Deputies arrested Nichole M. Rosenburg age 20 of Rolla for possession of drug paraphernalia. Rosenburg was taken to the Maries County Jail.

NOTICE: The above charges are mere accusations and are not evidence of guilt. Evidence in support of these charges must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence

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The Maries County Sheriff's Office has had a drastic increase in DWI arrests, and it seems as if offenders are often under the age of 21. I hope you are seeing the Sheriff's patrol vehicle more frequently. Sheriff's Deputies are actively working overtime paid for by a grant funded by the Department of Transportation to apprehend DWI offenders. My Deputies and I are extremely motivated to deter and arrest DWI offenders before another innocent person is killed by a drunk driver in Maries County. An upcoming court case for John Mazurek is set for November 8, 2011 Mazurek is charged with Involuntary Manslaughter for allegedly killing an innocent person while he was intoxicated in Maries County. I would much rather deter someone from drinking and driving then arrest someone for it. So please don't drink and drive!

I have also noticed an increase in illegal prescription drug use by teens. These teens are often snorting these drugs, such as Percocet, Morphine, along with a long list of other drugs. By doing this it is causing the high to be more immediate, and more deadly. Several Thousand teens had died due to snorting drugs, and I hope that none die here in Maries County. I am asking parents to be a part of their child's life. If you noticed a rapid change in behavior in your child, interact with them before it's to late.

As always if you every have any questions feel free to contact me at my office 573-422-3381.

Your Sheriff,
Chris Heitman

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During the early morning hours of October 2, 2011 Sheriff's Deputy Andy Klosterman conducted a traffic stop on Highway 133.

During the course of the stop Deputy Klosterman arrested the 19 year old driver of the vehicle for DWI, and minor in possession of alcohol. After further investigation Sheriff's Deputies located a suspected controlled substance and suspected drug paraphernalia. Lucy A. Rector age 21 of Dixon was arrested for the drug violations. Both subjects were taken to the Maries County Jail.

NOTICE: The above charges are mere accusations and are not evidence of guilt. Evidence in support of these charges must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence

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