Sheriff's Corner
From: Chris Heitman, Sheriff
Maries County Sheriff's Office
During the evening hours on March 14, 2010 while investigating a burglary members of the Maries County Sheriff's Office responded
to a residence on Tibbets Avenue in Belle. While at the residence members of the Sheriff's Office suspected illegal drug activity.
During the course of the investigation investigators located a suspected meth lab that was in the manufacture stage.
Investigators also located several items of suspected drug paraphernalia and suspected methamphetamine.
Sheriff's Deputies arrested two residents and they were taken to the Maries County Jail.
Members of the Sheriff's Office submitted a probable cause statement to the Maries County Prosecutor Terry Schwartze.
Randy Paray age 54 of Belle was subsequently charged with attempt to manufacture methamphetamine a class B felony.
Paray is being held in the Maries County Jail on a $15,000.00 bond. The name of the other person arrested will be withheld
pending formal charges. Additional charges may be pending.
The Belle Police Department and the Lake Area Narcotics Enforcement Group assisted with the investigation.
"This type of Meth Lab is known as the one-pot cook method and it is very dangerous and becoming more common in the
area." "I am glad no one was hurt during the investigation."
UPDATE
As a result of the above investigation on March 16, 2010 Norah Johnson age 45 of Belle was arrested and also charged with
attempt to manufacture methamphetamine a class B Felony with a bond of $15,000.00. Johnson was taken to the Maries County
Jail where she later posted bond. Paray, who was out on bond for drug related charges in Texas County when this arrest
was made has had his bond revoked out. Paray remains in the Maries County Jail on his $15,000.00 bond in Maries County,
and a $250,000.00 bond out of Texas County
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
Sheriff's Corner
From: Chris Heitman, Sheriff
Maries County Sheriff's Office
The Maries County Sheriff's Office has been actively investigating several burglaries, and following several leads
attempting to solve them. Please be aware of your surroundings and report any suppositious activity to the Sheriff's Office
573-422-3381. The Sheriff's Office has also received numerous reports of out of control "controlled burns."
If you are having a controlled burn please contact the Sheriff's Office and provide us with your name and location
of the controlled burn so we do not waste resources and time dispatching fire to the scene when it is not needed.
These calls are often made by passing motorist who dial 911 to report the fire.
In other news, during the month of February the Sheriff's Office patrolled a total of 7,769 miles, issued 7
traffic citations, gave 48 warnings, made 12 felony arrests, 5 misdemeanor arrests, held 30 prisoners,
and worked 63 reportable investigations.
The Sheriff's Office will be asking you to support your local law enforcement sales tax this April.
I, as well as most of you, do not like taxes. However, they are a necessary evil. In times of economic struggle it is
not time to cut the funding to your local law enforcement, because crime will increase.
The Sheriff's Office has had two years of cuts, and this tax is will bring the Sheriff's Office back to the approximate
funding back to the level it was. In 2007 the Sheriff's Office budget totaled $557,575.00.
This sounds like a lot of money, but it is not when you consider what all the Sheriff's Office is responsible for handling.
A lot of people do not know that the Maries County Sheriff's Office runs a 24-hour 911 and dispatch center.
We dispatch at no charge for the Maries-Osage Ambulance, Dixon Fire Department, Vienna Fire Department,
and Vichy Fire Departments. The Sheriff's Office is also responsible for dispatching for the Vienna Police Department
and Sheriff's Deputies to calls. The Sheriff's Office runs a jail where we hold numerous prisoners on Maries
County charges as well as charges out of other venues. This costs the county approximately $30,000.00 in food expenses
last year alone. Even with 2007's budget the Sheriff's Office still did not have the funds for much needed 24-hour patrol,
Sheriff's Deputies are not equipped with protective vests, we lack proper radios, and we have patrol units that break
down responding to emergency calls. Now, in 2010 the Sheriff's Office budget has been cut and the current Sheriff's
Citizen Safety Budget is only $459,833.00. That is a large cut over two years for a rural Sheriff's Office.
This tax will provide approximately $70,000.00 of much needed funds for the Sheriff's Office.
If you spend $10.00 this tax will only raise the cost by less then 2 cents and if you spend $100.00 it will only raise the cost
by 16 cents. Even though that is a small amount of money it can greatly impact the performance and productivity of the Sheriff's
Office. With these cuts it is hard to even handle the basic operations of the Sheriff's Office.
If this tax is passed it will only be for 5 years. Then, if not needed, it will be removed.
If it is still needed it will have to be voted on again. As your Sheriff I am asking that you support this tax
and if you have any other questions feel free to contact me.
Your Sheriff,
Chris Heitman
Press Release
From: Chris Heitman, Sheriff
Maries County Sheriff's Office
On March 8, 2010 members of the Maries County Sheriff's Office captured a fugitive from Jefferson County.
The Sheriff's Office had received a report that a wanted subject was hiding out at a residence on Highway V in Maries County.
Sheriff's Deputies responded to the residence and after a couple days of surveillance they located the fugitive while
he was inside the residence. Sheriff's Deputies arrested Shawn W. Kingery age 27 of St. Louis. Kingery was wanted for
Burglary 1st Degree, Unlawful Use of a Weapon out of Jefferson County with a $100,000.00 cash only bond, Domestic Assault
with a $2,000.00 bond, and several traffic warrants. It was reported that Kingery was hiding out from law enforcement for
several months. Kingery is currently being held in the Maries County Jail 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
The Maries County Sheriff's Office, Belle Police Department, and a K-9 Unit from the Capital Police responded to the Belle
High School to ensure the safety of all students because of a bomb threat that occurred last Friday.
In that threat it stated that the school would blow up on February 23, 2010.
The student that made the threat was taken into custody last Friday and will face possible charges with the juvenile court.
I did not feel that there was actually a bomb in the school, nor did I feel any students were in danger.
However, "We take all threats seriously, and we will ensure the safety of our students."
At 5:30 am members of the Sheriff's Office and the K-9 conducted a sweep of the entire school with the K-9.
Students were then checked as they entered the building.
I have to commend the school for the way they handled this investigation. I feel it was handled properly and the
student's safety was considered first.
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
Buckle Up to Avoid a Ticket and Arrive Alive
Maries County - Nearly one in four Missouri motorists fail to regularly wear their seat belt in a motor vehicle.
Only 77 percent of Missourians buckle up regularly, seven percent less than the national average of 84 percent.
The Maries County Sheriff's Office announced today they are joining with law enforcement February 25 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 2008, 489 people killed in traffic crashes weren't wearing their
seat belt. Seven out of ten Missourians killed in traffic crashes are unbuckled.
"Every day someone dies in a crash in Missouri because they weren't buckled up," said Sheriff Chris Heitman.
"We'll be out there to remind you seat belts can - and do - save lives every day."
For information on Missouri seatbelt usage, visit
www.saveMOlives.com.
Press Release
From: Chris Heitman, Sheriff
Maries County Sheriff's Office
On February 21, 2010 Sheriff's Deputy Michael Dixon conducted a traffic stop on Highway 63 near Maries County Road 325.
During the course of the stop the driver was suspected of being under the influence of a controlled substance and taken
into custody. After further investigation Deputies arrested the passenger of the vehicle Brenda L. Stringer age 39
of Freeburg for possession of a suspected controlled substance. Both subjects were taken to the Maries County Jail
pending warrant application.
A warrant was applied for through the Maries County Prosecutor Terry Schwartze. A warrant was later issued for
possession of controlled substance a class C felony. Stringer was given a bond of $7,000.00.
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 February 19, 2010 Deputy Michael Dixon conducted a traffic stop on Highway 28. During the course of the stop
Deputies arrested Tommie G. Tramel age 55 of Belle for DWI and an expired driver's license. Tramel refused to submit
to any testing and due to that Deputies applied for a search warrant to collect a blood sample from Tramel,
to accurately determine his blood alcohol content. The search warrant was issued by Judge Haslag,
and his blood was drawn. Tramel was held at the Maries County Jail and issued citations for his violations.
Deputy Dixon was paid for by a grant received from the Missouri Department of Transportation to enforce DWI offenses.
This grant allows Sheriff's Deputies to work overtime, provide extra enforcement, thereby making our streets safer
here in Maries County; at no cost to the county. Without this grant the Sheriff's Office would not be able to afford to
conduct the extra enforcement that is needed to keep our roadway safe.
The Maries County Prosecutor Terry Schwartze and the Maries County Sheriff's Office are taking a tougher stand on repeat
DWI offenders. In 2008, an estimated 11,773 people died in alcohol-impaired traffic crashes.
Again, I can't stress enough that this is a serious problem right here in Maries County.
I have personally worked 3 fatality accidents here in Maries County were I believe alcohol was involved and numerous injury accidents.
Three in every ten Americans will be involved in an alcohol-related crash in their lives.
Taking a tough stand on repeat DWI offenders, I feel, will save lives and send a message to DWI offenders
NOT TO DRINK AND DRIVE!
I have to commend Prosecutor Schwartze for her extra efforts in reference to DWI offenders.
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 February 18, 2010 members of the Maries County Sheriff's Office responded to a disturbance on Bland Avenue.
It was reported to the Sheriff's Office that someone had kicked in a door and assaulted a female subject.
Members of the Belle Police Department responded as well. The suspect had fled the area on foot.
After a lengthy search of the area Deputies located and arrested Justin Miller at a residence on Alvarado Avenue.
During the course of the investigation Deputies located suspected controlled substance and suspected drug paraphernalia.
Miller was taken to the Maries County Jail and held pending warrant application.
Miller was later charged with Burglary 1st Degree a class B felony, possession of controlled substance a class C felony,
Domestic Assault 3rd Degree a class A Misdemeanor, and possession of up to 35 grams of marijuana a class A Misdemeanor.
Miller was given a bond of $15,000.00.
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 travels from Vichy lasts over 40 min/meth lab and fugitive recovered.
Members of the Maries County Sheriff's Office conducted a traffic stop on Highway 63 near Vichy. During the course of the
stop the driver of the vehicle, James E. Anderson age 20 of Kansas and the passenger Morgan E. Schwab age 20 of
Kansas who was a fugitive from the State of Kansas, fled.
Members of the Maries County Sheriff's Office pursued the vehicle at speeds in excess of 100 mph.
The pursuit traveled into Phelps County, where members of the Phelps County Sheriff's Office and the Missouri State
Highway Patrol aided in the pursuit. The pursuit then traveled into the Rolla City Limits, then onto
Interstate 44 into Pulaski County. The suspects attempted to ram a patrol vehicle during the pursuit.
During the course of the pursuit spike strips were used deflating two of the suspect’s tires. The pursuit
continued as the vehicle traveled on and off the roadway. The suspects eventually traveled off Interstate
44 through a ditch onto the outer road. The pursuit ended on Harden Road when the road dead ended.
Both Anderson and Schwab exited the vehicle and fled on foot.
After a short foot pursuit both suspects were taken into custody. Inside the suspects vehicle several items
that are commonly used to manufacture methamphetamine were located Deputies also located several items of
suspected drug paraphernalia.
Both suspects remain in custody. Charges are expected to be filed in Maries, Phelps, and Pulaski Counties.
Schwab is also being held on her outstanding felony warrant out of Reno County,
Kansas for aggravated endangering a child.
This was a dangerous pursuit and I am thankful no one was seriously injured. I would also like to thank the
Phelps and Pulaski County Sheriff's Offices for their assistance with this investigation.
***UPDATE***
As a result of the the high speed pursuit that went through three counties James E. Anderson was charged with
Resisting a lawful detention a class D Felony, Possession of drug paraphernalia class D felony, and driving without a
valid license with a $50,000.00 bond out of Maries County. Anderson also has charges for 2nd degree Assault on a law
enforcement officer and resisting arrest both felonies out of Phelps County with a $100,000.00 bond.
Additional charges may also still be pending.
Morgan E. Schwab was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia a class D felony out of Maries County with a
$15,000.00 bond. Schwab is also still awaiting extradition on her felony warrant out of Kansas.
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 solved several burglaries and thefts in the local area.
On January 25, 2010 The Maries County Sheriff's Office arrested four suspects suspected of stealing, burglarizing homes,
and businesses. These suspects have allegedly broken into several places in Linn, Belle, and possibly stolen
items from Phelps County.
Maries County Sheriff's Deputies arrested Bryan A. Soper age 24 of Belle, Bobby L Soper age 21 of Belle, and Jimmy
D. Shanks II age 24 of Belle, and a male subject from Vienna who’s name is being withheld pending formal charges.
All four subjects were taken to the Maries County Jail.
As a result of the investigation warrants were issued for Bryan Soper and Jimmy Shanks II. Both Bryan Soper and
Jimmy Shanks were charged with Burglary 2nd Degree a Class C felony and Stealing Misdemeanor A out of Maries County.
These charges stem from a burglary at Gas Plus on Highway 28 in Belle.
Warrants were also issued for Bryan Soper out of Osage County for Burglary 2nd Degree and stealing both felony offenses.
Another warrant was also issued for Bobby Soper for Burglary 2nd Degree and Stealing.
Bryan Soper, Jimmy Shanks II, and Bobby Soper all remain in the Maries County Jail.
This investigation is still ongoing and additional charges may be pending.
I have to commend Sheriff's Deputy Michael Dixon for his work during these investigations.
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 an illegal dumping on Maries County Road 623.
It was later discovered that the items dumped were components of a suspected meth lab. After several hours of
investigation members of the Sheriff's Office responded to Maries County Road 302 and located several items
of suspected drug paraphernalia, and several items believed to be used in the manufacture of methamphetamine process.
Several of the items located off Maries County Road 302 were items retrieved from Maries County Road 623.
One of the suspects had reported being injured when an anhydrous ammonia tank exploded on them.
After further investigation members of the Sheriff's Office arrested James E. Barnhart age 24 of Dixon,
and John W. Nelson age 28 of Dixon for the drug violations. Both Barnhart and Nelson were taken to the
Maries County Jail. Barnhart had just been released from the Maries County Jail and was currently
out on bond for a drug charge.
Both Barnhart and Nelson were charged with felony possession of drug paraphernalia-methamphetamine.
They remain in the Maries County Jail on a $4,500.00 bond.
I would like to thank Belle Marshal Brain Brennan 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 evening hours of January 15, 2010 Major David Hutchison and Reserve Deputy Kyle went to arrest Donald R. Beal Jr.
age 27 of Dixon on two felony warrants out of Maries County for endangering the welfare of a child 1st Degree,
and Property Damage 1st Degree. Deputies responded to the residence and during the course of the arrest a Deputy was struck,
knocked to the ground, and kicked. After a short foot pursuit they caught Beal and after deploying the taser
Deputies were able to take custody of him.
One Deputy sought medical attention; however, he is expected to return to full duty. Beal remains in the Maries County
Jail on a no bond warrant, and additional charges for assault on a law enforcement officer and resisting
arrest are expected.
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 investigating several burglaries and thefts over the past couple months.
One burglary took place at Moreland's Catfish Patch near Vienna, where several thousands of dollars worth of items were
stolen, including cash.
Several residences have also been burglarized in the County. The Sheriff's Office is currently following up on several leads;
however, no arrests have been made at this time. I would like to remind citizens to store serial numbers of items.
This allows law enforcement, if those items are stolen, to add them into a computer system.
This way if another officer locates the item it can be recovered and arrests can be made.
If anyone notices any suspicious activity or has any information regarding these burglaries please contact the
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
Members of the Maries County Sheriff's Office arrested John K. Finley age 48 of Belle for an outstanding warrant out of
Phelps County for Possession of controlled substance a class C felony. This warrant stems from a search warrant executed
by the Maries County Sheriff's Office and the Lake Area Narcotics Enforcement. Finley was transported to the Phelps
County Jail and remain in their custody.
I would like to commend Deputy Michael Dixon 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 evening hours of January 3, 2010 Deputy Michael Dixon conducted a traffic stop on Johnson Avenue, Deputy Adam
Bennett and Belle Officer Chris Pyle assisted with the investigation. During the course of the investigation Deputies
arrested Shannon D. Shanks of Vienna for possession of suspected drug paraphernalia. Shanks 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
Press Release
From: Chris Heitman, Sheriff
Maries County Sheriff's Office
On December 29, 2009 Sheriff's Deputy Adam Bennett responded to the Dixon area for a domestic disturbance.
During the course of the disturbance Sheriff's Deputy Bennett arrested James A. Cobb age 47 of Dixon for violation of a
full order of protection. Cobb was transported to the Maries County Jail where he was held pending warrant application.
Deputes applied for a warrant with the Maries County Prosecutor Terry Schwartze. The Honorable Judge Clayton issued a
warrant for Cobb for Violation of an order of protection with a bond of $5,000.00.
Cobb bonded and was released.
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 December 29, 2009 Major David Hutchison and Sheriff's Deputy Donnie Chambers arrested Ian C. Simoneaux for two outstanding
for Burglary 2nd Degree, and stealing a motor vehicle. Simoneaux remains in the Maries County Jail on a
$200,000.00 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 December 27, 2009 Sheriff's Deputy Michael Dixon assisted members of the Missouri State Highway Patrol with a traffic
stop on Highway M. Belle Police Officer Nick Weske and Officer Tyler Midkiff assisted with the stop.
During the course of the investigation Deputy Dixon located several items of suspected drug paraphernalia along with
several items believed to be used in the manufacture of methamphetamine. Deputies also located suspected methamphetamine
along with other suspected controlled substances.
Sheriff's Deputy Dixon arrested Roger A. Fisher age 53 of Owensville for drug violations.
Deputies also arrested Heather Akers age 23 of Owensville for drug violations.
Both Fisher and Akers were transported to the Maries County Jail. Fisher is also currently out on parole from
Gasconade County for drug violations.
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
