Press Release
From: Chris Heitman, Sheriff
Maries County Sheriff's Office
Members of the Maries County Sheriff's Office conducted a DWI checkpoint on Highway 63. During the course of the checkpoint
Deputies made 11 arrests. Several of the arrests were for DWI, and drug violations. 2 other suspects were arrested for
outstanding warrants. Deputies checked nearly 600 vehicles.
This checkpoint was paid for by a grant received from the Department of Transportation.
I would like to remind everyone to be safe, don't drink and drive.
The Maries County Sheriff's Office will continue to host DWI checkpoints to apprehend and deter drinking and driving.
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
Press Release
From: Chris Heitman, Sheriff
Maries County Sheriff's Office
On November 3, 2009 members of the Maries County Sheriff's Office conducted a traffic stop on First Street
and South Vienna Avenue. During the course of the stop Deputies located suspected drug paraphernalia.
Deputies arrested Grant S. Tellman and he 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
News Release
From: Chris Heitman, Sheriff
Maries County Sheriff's Office
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 10; or send an email to
karen@mosheriffs.com to obtain an application.
Applications must be submitted by January 31, 2010.
For further information contact:
Missouri Sheriffs' Association and Training Academy
6605 Business 50 West
Jefferson City, MO 65109-6307
(573) 635-5925, Extension 10
News Release
From: Chris Heitman, Sheriff
Maries County Sheriff's Office
The Maries County Sheriff's Office will begin selling ATV permits allowing residents to operate ATV's on the county road
November 16, 2009. The permits will be sold for $15.00 and will allow residents to operate ATV's on the county roads legally.
The permits will be valid from January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2010. If you are not able to obtain a permit during
normal business hours then contact the Sheriffs Office to make special arrangements at 573-422-3381.
News Release
From: Chris Heitman, Sheriff
Maries County Sheriff's Office
Buckle Up to Avoid a Ticket and Arrive Alive
Nearly one in four Missourians still fail to regularly wear their safety belts when driving or riding in a motor vehicle.
Among those least likely to buckle up: young males, pickup truck drivers and their passengers, people who live in
rural areas, and nighttime drivers.
Maries County Sheriff's Office announced today they are joining with law enforcement November 18 for an
aggressive "Click It or Ticket" mobilization to crack down on Missouri's safety belt law violators and
to reduce highway fatalities.
Failure to regularly wear a safety belt can be deadly. In 2007, a driver in a Missouri traffic crash has a
1 in 32 chance of being killed if they were not wearing a seat belt. In cases where the driver wore a
seat belt, their chance of being killed was 1 in 1,294.
Sheriff Chris Heitman said regular safety belt use is the single most effective way to protect
people and reduce fatalities in motor vehicle crashes.
For information on Missouri seatbelt usage, visit
www.saveMOlives.com.
Press Release
From: Chris Heitman, Sheriff
Maries County Sheriff's Office
The Maries County Sheriff's Office has been investigating numerous vandalisms though-out the county.
There has been numerous mailboxes vandalized and signs torn down. The Sheriff's Office has made some arrests in these
incidents and the names of the person will be released when the investigation is complete.
I would like to encourage parents to speak to their kids about the consequences of damaging mailboxes.
Person who damage mailboxes could face up to a $500.00 fine and spend 6 months in the county jail.
When you drive down the road you may see warning signs telling you to slow down because the Maries County Sheriff's prisoners
are working along the roadways of the county. They have put in several hours picking up bags of trash in the county.
This is a program that I have implemented and if prisoners want an extra privilege they will have to work for it.
The prisoners work in pairs and are chained together with a four foot chain.
The prisoners will also be collecting cans along the roadway for recycling, and to raise funds for the Sheriff's Office.
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
Press Release
From: Chris Heitman, Sheriff
Maries County Sheriff's Office
The Maries County Sheriff's Office is asking for your help locating a stolen Backhoe that was stolen from Maries
County Road shed off Highway 28 near Vichy. It was stolen sometime between 4:00pm on October 8 and
7:00 am on October 9, 2009
It is described as a 1994 416B Cat backhoe 4x4 and it is yellow in color.
If anyone has any information regarding this theft please contact the Maries County Sheriff's Office at 573-422-3381.
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
Press Release
From: Chris Heitman, Sheriff
Maries County Sheriff's Office
Warrants were issued on October 8, 2009 for Bradly R. White of Belle. These warrants stem for a high speed pursuit by the
Belle Police Department and the Maries County Sheriff's Office. Deputies pursued a stolen truck driven by White from City of
Belle into Maries County, when White traveled off the roadway and the stolen truck landed off the side.
A minor passenger of the vehicle was injured and taken to the hospital by ambulance.
White also had an outstanding warrant out of Maries County for probation violation.
White now has additional charges of stealing a motor vehicle a class C felony, resisting arrest a class D felony,
and endangering the welfare of a child a class C felony.
White remains in the Maries County Jail on a no bond probation violation warrant and $18,000.00 bond on the new charges.
White showed no regard for public safety, and someone could of been seriously injured or killed.
I am thankful no one was killed during this incident.
I commend Officer Nick Weske, and Deputy Michael Dixon for the way they handled this incident.
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
Press Release
From: Chris Heitman, Sheriff
Maries County Sheriff's Office
The Maries County Sheriff's Office executed another search warrant at a residence on Highway 42. During the
course of that warrant Deputies located suspected drug paraphernalia. Deputies arrested Deborah K
Neville age 47 of Franklin County. Neville was taken to the Maries County Jail where she was
later released on a summons.
The Lake Area Narcotics Enforcement Groups also assisted with the search of the residence.
The Lake Area Narcotics Enforcement Group is a multi-jurisdictional drug task force.
Its members include the Sheriff's Offices of Pulaski, Laclede, Camden, Dallas, Gasconade, Maries, and
Crawford counties, as well as the Lebanon, Belle, and Osage Beach police departments. LANEG is governed by a
board of directors and is coordinated by the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
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
Press Release
From: Chris Heitman, Sheriff
Maries County Sheriff's Office
On September 22, 2009 members of the Maries County Sheriff's Office conducted a traffic stop on Highway 28.
During the course of that stop they arrested David M. Luecke Jr. age 31 of Belle.
Luecke had a probation and parole warrant out of Maries County for the possession of controlled substance.
This warrant stems from a search warrant executed at his residence in Belle.
Luecke remains in the Maries County Jail with no bond.
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
Press Release
From: Chris Heitman, Sheriff
Maries County Sheriff's Office
Members of the Maries County Sheriff's Office investigated several mailbox vandalisms over the weekend.
During the course of the investigation Deputies received vehicle information, and placed a stop and hold on
the suspects vehicle. Marshal Han Rasmussen located the vehicle in Bland.
Deputies responded to the Bland, and took custody of 3 teens who did the property damage. The teens agreed to
apologize to the victims, and pay for the mailboxes. The teens also agreed to spend their Saturday cleaning
the Sheriff's Jail cells, including toilets, cleaning patrol vehicles, and moping floors.
The parents felt this was a good lesson considering people who damage mailboxes could face imprisonment
for up to one year in the county jail, and/or a fine up to $1,000.00.
"I encourage teens to think twice before they damage someone's property." I have to thank Marshal Rasmussen
for his assistance with this investigation.
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
Press Release
From: Chris Heitman, Sheriff
Maries County Sheriff's Office
During the morning hours of September 27, 2009 members of the Maries County Sheriff's Office conducted a traffic stop on
Highway 63 south of Vienna. During the course of the investigation Deputies located suspected drug paraphernalia,
and suspected methamphetamine. Deputies arrested Robert E. Geist age 49 of St. James.
The Maries County Prosecutor charged Geist with a class C, felony possession of a controlled substance, and possession of
drug paraphernalia.
Geist has since posted bond and been released from 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
Press Release
From: Chris Heitman, Sheriff
Maries County Sheriff's Office
Members of the Maries County Sheriff's Office conducted a sobriety checkpoint on Highway 68.
During the course of the checkpoint Deputies checked over 200 vehicles.
Deputies made 2 drug arrests, 1 warrant arrest, 1 DWI arrest, and 2 traffic related arrests.
There were a total of 38 citations issued for miscellaneous traffic offenses.
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
Press Release
From: Chris Heitman, Sheriff
Maries County Sheriff's Office
Reference: 14 year old nearly dies due to alcohol
The Maries County Sheriff's Office and the Belle Police Department investigated an underage drinking party in the
Belle area during the early morning hours of September 26, 2009.
As a result of that party one 14 year old was air lifted to a hospital in St. Louis. This incident nearly caused a
death of a young person. Another 16 year old was missing for several hours, and was not located until around
7:00 a.m. The Belle Fire Department and the Bland Police Department assisted with the search.
"I have to encourage parents to speak to the kids about the dangers of underage drinking."
Parents who host underage drinking parties could face criminal charges, and they can also be held civilly
liable if something happens.
In 2008, 64.1 percent of eighth graders reported that alcohol is "very easy" or "fairly easy" to get.
This is a scary fact considering that on average someone is killed by a drunk driver every 45 minutes.
In 2008, an estimated 11,773 people died in drunk driving related crashes.
Minors drinking increase the chance of your child being sexually assaulted, raped, or even killed.
"Please help keep your child from being a victim! Deter them from drinking!"
Criminal charges may be pending in this incident.
For additional information feel free to contact the Sheriff's Office at 573-422-3381 or your local law enforcement.
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
Press Release
From: Chris Heitman, Sheriff
Maries County Sheriff's Office
Reference: Search warrant executed on meth lab/ weapon violations
Members of the Lake Area Narcotics Enforcement Group and the Maries County Sheriff's Office, after a lengthy investigation,
executed a search warrant at a residence on Maries County Road 302 just north of Vienna.
During the course of the search Deputies located suspected methamphetamines, numerous items of drug paraphernalia,
items related to the manufacture of methamphetamines, and several firearms.
Deputies arrested Daniel A. Gilliam age 40 of Vienna, and Toni M. Griggs age 35 of Vienna.
Both subjects are facing possible drug and weapon violations. They are currently being held in 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
Press Release
From: Chris Heitman, Sheriff
Maries County Sheriff's Office
Reference: Marijuana Grow, Drugs, Assault Weapons, and Large Amount of currency seized
Members of the Maries County Sheriff’s Office responded to a residence on Highway 133 near Dixon.
During the course of the investigation Deputies located several Marijuana plants, suspected controlled substance,
numerous items of drug paraphernalia, numerous weapons including assault type weapons, and a large amount of currency.
Deputies arrested Raymond C. Sheren age 52 of Dixon, and Robert C. Sheren age 20 of Dixon.
I commend Detective Brad Strope, Deputy Adam Bennett, and Major David Hutchision.
***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
Press Release
From: Chris Heitman, Sheriff
Maries County Sheriff's Office
During the morning hours of September 9, 2009 members of the Missouri State Highway Patrol and the Maries County Sheriff's
Office investigated a traffic accident on Route M one mile west of Belle, Missouri.
The driver Michael R. Reed age 33 of Belle was pronounced dead at the scene by Maries County Sheriff Chris Heitman.
Reed traveled off the left side of the road, returned to the road, than ran off the right side of roadway,
where the vehicle overturned and struck a tree. Reed was ejected from the vehicle.
For further see the Missouri State Highway Patrol Crash report:
http://www.mshp.dps.mo.gov
Michael Reed was a Corrections Officer for the Missouri Department of Corrections. Services for Reed will be Friday
September 11, 2009 at 5:00pm at Sassmanns Funeral Home in Belle. The funeral will be Saturday, September 12, 2009 at
10:00 am at the Community of Christ Church in Belle.
Press Release
From: Chris Heitman, Sheriff
Maries County Sheriff's Office
While following up on an investigation involving counterfeit money, Maries County Sheriff's Detective located two suspected
illegal immigrants. One of the illegal immigrants provided Deputies with a fake identification alleging
that he had a permanent resident card issued by the United States of America, Department of Homeland Security.
Deputies soon discovered that one of the immigrants had previously been deported as well.
Deputies arrested Juan Carlos Palacios-Rodriguez age 30 of Mexico, and Arron Antonio Cervantes-Ramirez age 25 also of Mexico.
A federal detainer has been issued on both Rodriguez and Ramirez, and they are currently being held in the Maries
County Jail pending deportation back to Mexico.
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
Press Release
From: Chris Heitman, Sheriff
Maries County Sheriff's Office
On September 3, 2009 members of the Maries County Sheriff's Office responded to a gas station located on Highway 63
just outside of Vienna for a report of a male subject using drugs. During the course of the investigation
Deputies located numerous items related to the manufacture of methamphetamines including a tank that
contained suspected anhydrous ammonia, several items of drug paraphernalia, and suspected methamphetamines.
Deputies arrested Christopher W. Harris age 43 of Dixon for the drug violations. Harris is a convicted felony,
who is currently out on parole. Harries remains in the custody of the Maries County Sheriff pending warrant application.
***UPDATE***
As a result of the Sheriff's Office investigation warrants were issued for Christopher Harris for:
Possession of Controlled Substance, a class C felony, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia with intent to
manufacture methamphetamine, a class D felony, and for operating a motor vehicle on highway without a valid license,
felony.
Harris still remains in the Maries County Jail on $4,500.00 bond.
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
Press Release
From: Chris Heitman, Sheriff
Maries County Sheriff's Office
On September 2, 2009 members of the Maries County Sheriff's Office responded to Maries County Road 404 in reference
to a burglary in progress and a stolen vehicle. It was reported that the home owner returned home and
located one of the suspects in his house and contacted the Sheriff's Office. The homeowner noticed that his vehicle
was stolen from his garage, and the suspect had left drugs and drug paraphernalia in his residence.
Deputies arrested Lauren P. Lansford of Belle for the violations.
Approximately an hour after the call came in members of the Sheriff's Office located the stolen vehicle in Belle.
Deputies conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle and arrested Bethany N. Wilson of Linn.
Deputies also located suspected methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia in the vehicle.
Both Lansford and Wilson were taken to the Maries County Jail. Lansford was charged with Burglary
1st Degree a class B felony, and possession of controlled substance a class C felony.
Lansford was also issued citations for misdemeanor drug violations. Wilson was charge with
Tampering 1st Degree Felony, Possession of a controlled substance a class C felony, and Burglary
2nd degree a class C felony. Wilson was also issued citations for possession of drug paraphernalia,
and driving while revoked.
Both Lansford and Wilson remain in the Maries County Jail on a $4,500.00 bond.
The Belle Police Department also assisted with this investigation.
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
Press Release
From: Chris Heitman, Sheriff
Maries County Sheriff's Office
Reference: DWI Checkpoint
Members of the Maries County Sheriff's Office conducted a DWI checkpoint on Highway 28 in Vichy. Officers
checked over 100 vehicles, made several arrests, and issued numerous traffic citations.
The Sheriff's Office made a total of three alcohol related arrests; two drug related arrests,
and arrested one subject on an outstanding warrant out of Phelps County, in less then two hours.
This is part of the State's "You Drink & Drive YOU LOSE Enforcement" campaign.
Deputies are paid overtime from a state grant to work these details.
Press Release
From: Chris Heitman, Sheriff
Maries County Sheriff's Office
You Drink & Drive You Lose !
Maries County Sheriff's Office is cracking down on impaired drivers
The Maries County Sheriff's Office will be cracking down on impaired drivers during the
YOU DRINK & DRIVE YOU LOSE statewide campaign. Law enforcement efforts will be increased in an endeavor to
reduce the deaths and serious injuries caused by impaired drivers. Those caught drinking and driving could
lose their license, money and freedom.
"Driving while intoxicated is one of the most common violent crimes, randomly killing or injuring someone in
Missouri every 1.7 hours." "These tragedies are preventable when drivers make a simple, smart choice
not to drink and drive."
The Maries County Sheriff's Office will also be hosting a DWI checkpoint at an undisclosed location inside
Maries County August 29, 2009.
"I would much rather deter someone from drinking and driving then catch someone."
Press Release
From: Chris Heitman, Sheriff
Maries County Sheriff's Office
Reference: Maries County Sheriff's Office captures a sex offender fugitive
Wanted out of Kansas City & State of Mississippi
Deputy Michael Dixon conducted a traffic stop on Highway 63 in Vienna. During the course of the stop
a male subject provided false information to law enforcement. The male subject was also
threatening towards law enforcement during their investigation. The Vienna Police Department
responded to the scene to assist with the stop.
Deputies later identified the suspect as Danny L. Dumas age 35 of Willow Springs, Missouri.
Dumas had used the names of relatives during the stop; however, he was not able to keep the names and
date of births straight leading Deputies to believe he was not telling the truth.
Deputies took custody of Dumas and later determined his true identity by using the automotive
finger print identification system.
Dumas, who is a convicted felon, had escaped from the Kansas City Community Release Center,
where he was serving a sentence for endangering the welfare of a child 1st Degree.
Dumas has several felonies on his record and he also has two current active two felony warrants.
One warrant was issued by the Missouri Probation and Parole for endangering the welfare of a
child 1st degree, and Dumas is a fugitive out of the State of Mississippi for possession of a stolen vehicle.
Dumas is also on the sex offender registry where the female victim was a 5 years old.
(
Information
located here)
Deputies were out doing extra enforcement as part of the you drink and drive you lose enforcement period,
when they apprehended Dumas. Dumas is currently being held in the Maries County Jail pending extradition to
Kansas City and to the State of Mississippi. Dumas may also have additional charges pending through Maries County.
"I am glad to see someone with this type of record of the street."
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
Press Release
From: Chris Heitman, Sheriff
Maries County Sheriff's Office
On August 21, 2009 Deputy Michael Dixon conducted a traffic stop on Maries County Road 411.
During the course of the stop Deputy Dixon arrested Edwin L. Daniels age 31 of Bland for an
outstanding warrant; and Marlene K. Brandt age 56 of Bland for two outstanding warrants.
Brandt was wanted by the Missouri Probation and Parole with a no bond warrant and Maries County
for probation violation for with a no bond warrant. Brandt is currently on probation due to a search
warrant that was executed on her residence while she was living in Belle, and numerous items of stolen
property was recovered.
Both Daniels and Brandt were taken to the Maries County Jail.
Daniels posted a cash bond and was released. Brandt still remains
in the Maries County Jail with no bond.
On August 20, 2009 Maries County Detective Brad Strope arrested Chelsea P. Dildine of
Steelville for an outstanding warrant for Assault out of Phelps County.
Dildine was taken to the Maries County Jail where she was processed and later posted bond.
On August 19, 2009 Deputy Michael Dixon arrested Bobby L. Soper of Belle.
Soper had two felony outstanding warrants out of Phelps County. One warrant for stealing a motor vehicle
and another was for Burglary 2nd Degree. Soper was held in the Maries County Jail on a
$25,000.00 bond pending extradition.
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
Press Release
From: Chris Heitman, Sheriff
Maries County Sheriff's Office
Reference: Three people recently arrested for drug offenses have since pled guilty and been sentenced.
On August 13, 2009 Grant S. Tellman age 26 of Maries County has pled guilty to possession of a controlled substance a
class C felony, and unlawful use of drug paraphernalia-amphetamine/methamphetamine a class D felony.
George F. Moody age 47 of Maries County and Andi Jo Seymour age 24 of Maries County also pled guilty to
possession of controlled substance, a class C felony.
This stems from a search warrant that was executed by the Maries County Sheriff's Office and the Lake
Area Narcotics Enforcement Group. During the course of the search Deputies located a substantial
amount of methamphetamine, and several items of drug paraphernalia, including items used in the manufacture
of methamphetamine process.
I would like to thank the Maries County Prosecutor Terry Schwartze for her assistance with this case
and with the abundance of cases we have added to her work load.
Sheriff's Corner
From: Chris Heitman, Sheriff
Maries County Sheriff's Office
The Maries County Sheriff's Office has actively been fighting the war on drugs and we will continue to send
the message that in Maries County there is zero drug tolerance. If you are caught with any type of illegal drug,
or any type of drug paraphernalia you will be arrested, no exceptions. It seems like the drug epidemic,
especially the methamphetamine epidemic, is destroying lives through-out the world and it is definitely
affecting us here in Maries County. I have personally arrested a methamphetamine user as young as 14 years old,
and in that case the parents were also addicts. It also seems like there is a rise among young adults
who use prescription pills that aren't prescribed to them. These pills are often taken from their parents,
grandparents, or given to them by a friend. If you, as a parent, notice any unusual actions by your son or
daughter be sure to pay attention. If you are taking prescription pills keep a count of what you should have.
When prescription pills are taken improperly they can have serious side effects including death.
With the school season quickly approaching I have decided it may serve our county well if the Sheriff's Office
takes the time not only to arrest the drug addicts, but to try and prevent drug use as well.
I am planning on starting a Jr. Deputy program in the local Schools. This program will be similar to the DARE
program, but a lot more affordable. Deputies from the Sheriff's Office will take time out of their
schedule to educate students on the effects of illegal drug use. Hopefully, this program will
reduce the amount of drug arrests made by my Office, and in turn better our community.
In the near future I will be planning some fundraiser to help fund this program.
To report illegal drug activity you may contact the LANEG toll free drug tip line at
1-800-351-TIPS, or the Sheriff's Office at 573-422-3381.
My Office will continue to try and serve the community to the best of our ability and if you ever
have any concerns you would like to speak with me about feel free to contact my Office and schedule a time
to meet with me.
Your Sheriff,
Chris Heitman
PRESS RELEASE
From: Chris Heitman, Sheriff
Maries County Sheriff's Office
Members of the Maries County Sheriff's Office and the Belle Police Department investigated a report of possible
stolen property near Bland Avenue in Belle. During the course of the search Deputies located several
items used in the process to manufacture methamphetamine. Members of the Lake Area Narcotics Enforcement
Groups responded to the scene to seize the suspected meth lab material. One male subject was taken into
custody without incident.
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
PRESS RELEASE
From: Chris Heitman, Sheriff
Maries County Sheriff's Office
On August 2, 2009 Deputy Adam Bennett assisted the Vienna Police Department with a traffic stop on Highway 63 just
outside of the Vienna City Limits. During the course of the stop Deputies located a suspected controlled
substance and suspected drug paraphernalia. Deputy Bennett arrested Sean P. Randall age 23 of
Columbia for the drug violations. Randall was transported to the Maries County Jail for processing.
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
PRESS RELEASE
From: Chris Heitman, Sheriff
Maries County Sheriff's Office
Reference: High Speed Pursuit wanted felony fled on foot/1 injured passenger
Members of the Maries County Sheriff's Office attempted to conduct a traffic stop on Maries County Road 325.
The suspects then fled at a high rate of speed and began traveling on Highway 63 near Vienna.
After a short distance the subject lost control of his vehicle and it traveled down a steep embankment.
The female passenger of the vehicle, was who name will be withheld, was injured and transported by
ambulance to the hospital. The alleged suspect is identified as Daniel B. Smith age 31 of Vienna.
Smith fled on foot into a wooded area. Deputies rendered aid to the injured passenger, and Smith
was able to evade arrest.
Smith is currently on probation for felony resisting arrest, and felony possession of a controlled substance.
Smith also currently has two active warrants for felony probation absconder out of probation parole district 11,
Rolla with no bond, and another warrant for failure to appear for child neglect out of Randolph County.
The Maries County Sheriff's Office is asking for your assistance in locating Smith. If seen do not approach him,
just contact your local law enforcement or the Maries County Sheriff's Office at 573-422-3381.
Smith should be considered dangerous.
"I can hardly believe someone would run off into the woods and leave there injured female
friend in the car, that just shows they type of person we are dealing with." Individuals who run like this
have no regard for public safety, and only make things worse for themselves.
Smith may also be facing additional charges for resisting arrest, leaving the scene of a motor
vehicle accident, and numerous traffic offenses.
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
PRESS RELEASE
From: Chris Heitman, Sheriff
Maries County Sheriff's Office
As a result of the high speed chase warrants have been issued for Nicole M. Swoboda age 24 of Rosebud for possession
of anhydrous ammonia in a non-approved container, a class D felony, 2 counts of possession of a controlled substance,
a class C felony, and resisting arrest a class D felony. Swoboda remains in the Maries County Jail on an $18,000.00.
A warrant was issued for William R. Wyrick age 17 of Owensville for possession of anhydrous ammonia in a
non-approved container, a class D felony and Littering. Wyrick remains in the Maries County Jail on $4,500.00 bond.
A warrant was also issued for Samantha C. White age 18 of Gerald for possession of anhydrous ammonia in a
non-approved container, a class D felony, and Possession of Drug paraphernalia, a class A misdemeanor.
White also remains in the Maries County Jail on $4,500 .00 bond.
Anhydrous Ammonia is a precursor used in the manufacture of methamphetamine. When it is placed and transported in
a non-approved container it is very dangerous and can often be deadly.
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
PRESS RELEASE
From: Chris Heitman, Sheriff
Maries County Sheriff's Office
Reference: High Speed Pursuit ends in drug arrests
During the early morning hours members of the Maries County Sheriff's Office attempted to conduct a traffic stop on
Highway 63 near Vienna. The vehicle fled from the traffic stop at speeds in excess of 95 mph. During the course
of the pursuit a tank that contained Anhydrous Ammonia was thrown from the vehicle nearly striking a patrol vehicle.
Deputies continued pursuing the vehicle and members of the Missouri State Highway Patrol located the anhydrous tank.
Deputies then stopped the vehicle on Highway 63 near Vichy. Deputies arrested the driver, Nicole Swoboda age 23
of Rosebud, William Wyrick age 17 of Owensville, and Samantha C. White age 18 of Gerald. Deputies located
two different types of controlled substances including methamphetamine, and items of drug paraphernalia inside
of the vehicle. Lake Area Narcotics Enforcement Group assisted with the investigation.
One suspect brought drug paraphernalia into the jail facility. All three subjects are facing drug
charges and numerous felonies. Swoboda, Wyrick, and White are currently being held in the Maries
County Jail pending warrant application.
*update to follow after formal charges*
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
