The Maries County Sheriff's Office will be hosting another DWI checkpoint this week in an effort to deter and apprehend DWI offenders.

As most of us know we have lost another Maries County Resident due to someone drinking and driving. This young woman was less then one mile from her residence when she was killed, and her mother was seriously injured. I have personally seen several families destroyed and several lives lost because of drunk drivers. I have personally lost a family member because of a drunk driver in 2005 in the Belle City Limits.

We as Law Enforcement owe it to you to take a tougher stand on drunk drivers. So I urge citizens when they get pulled over by my Sheriff's Deputy for something as minor as crossing the center line to not be mad at them, but rather thank them. They are out there protecting you and your family from these violent offenders. If you see a drunk driver please take time to report it, or better yet if you know someone is drunk do not let them drive.

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****UPDATE****

The Maries County Prosecutor has charged John D. Mazurek age 24 of Crocker with Involuntary Manslaughter in the 1st Degree. Mazurek remains in the Maries County Jail on a $50,000.00 bond. I expect additional charges to be filed at a later date.

The other victim in the case remains in stable condition at a local hospital. The deceased in this case was less then one mile from her residence. This is truly a tragic event, and my sympathy goes out to the family.

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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Reference: Possible Alcohol Related Traffic Accident takes the life of a Maries County Resident

At 12:12 pm on September 1, 2011 members of the Maries County Sheriff's Office responded to Highway 133 in Meta Missouri for a two car motor vehicle accident. The Missouri State Highway Patrol was also called to the scene to assist with the investigation. As a result of that accident Wilberta C. Randolph of Meta was pronounced dead at the scene, and her mother was seriously injured.

After further investigation, the driver of the other vehicle, John D. Mazurek age 24 of Crocker was arrested, and we suspect he was intoxicated. Mazurek is currently being held in the Maries County Jail pending warrant application. Mazurek may be facing charges for Manslaughter and Felony Assault.

"It is times like this that people need to realize it is never safe to drink and drive." "DWI offenders need to be given harder sentences." The Maries County Sheriff's Office will be out in full force this holiday weekend attempting to prevent anyone else from being killed by a drunk driver.

"I am truly sorry for the family."

****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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During the early morning hours of August 31, 2011 Sheriff's Deputy Andy Klosterman conducted a traffic stop on Maries County Road 511. During the course of the stop Deputies arrested Joey D. Atterberry age 35 of Dixon, and Christopher L. Fairbanks age 28 also of Dixon. After further investigation Deputies located several items related to the manufacture of methamphetamine.

Both Atterberry and Fairbanks were taken to the Maries County Jail pending warrant application. The Honorable Kerry Rowden issued warrants for both subjects for possession of drug paraphernalia-amphetamine/methamphetamine. They remain in the Maries County Jail on $10,000.00 bond.

The Maries County Sheriff's Office will continue to stand strong on our zero tolerance drug policy.

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 August 29, 2011 Sheriff's Deputy Andy Klosterman and Sheriff's Deputy Comstock responded to an underage drinking party. Five minors were taken into custody for Minor in Possession of alcohol.

"I am often asked why don't we just leave the kids alone, and that they are just having some fun and not hurting anybody." I always reply: "Thank God, and no they haven't yet." A minor is 76% more likely to be sexual assaulted when under the influence of alcohol, and those minors often drive home intoxicated after these parties. Adults also need to be reminded that if they host an underage drinking party they may face criminal charges, and may also face civil charges if someone is hurt at the party or even when they leave the party.

Lets fix the problem before it is one. Don't host underage drinking parties, and encourage our young adults not to drink at these parties. The Sheriff's Office will continue arresting minors who are found to be drinking underage, not because we don't want them to have fun; we just don't want them to be sexually assaulted or worse.

Also, in effort to deter and apprehending drunk drivers the Maries County Sheriff's Office will be hosting another DWI checkpoint this week.

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 August 15, 2011 Sheriff's Deputy Andy Klosterman attempted to stop a vehicle on Maries County Road 630 when the vehicle fled at a high rate of speed. Members of the Maries County Sheriff's Office received information that the suspect was located in Dixon.

Sheriff's Deputy Klosterman located and arrested Taylor Carson age 19 of Dixon for fleeing and driving while revoked. Carson was taken to the Maries County Jail and processed.

I am thankful that no one was hurt during with Carson's disregard for public safety. It is never smart to run from 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

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Members of the Maries County Sheriff's Office and the Lake Area Narcotics Enforcement Group executed a search warrant at 11850 Highway V Vienna, Missouri. During the course of the search Sheriff's Deputies located components of a suspected meth lab, suspected methamphetamine, suspected drug paraphernalia, and weapons.

As a result of the investigation Vernon Helton has been charged with Unlawful Possession of a Firearm a class C felony, and unlawful use of drug paraphernalia-amphetamine/methamphetamine a class D felony. Amy Helton has been charged with Possession of a controlled substance a class C felony and unlawful use of drug paraphernalia-amphetamine/methamphetamine a class D felony. Also, arrested was Nathaniel Boehm age 30 of Vienna. Boehm was charged with possession of controlled substance, and unlawful use of drug paraphernalia-amphetamine/methamphetamine.

Currently all three suspects remain in the Maries County Jail.

The Maries County Sheriff's Office and the Lake Area Narcotics Enforcement Group will continue to stand strong on our zero drug tolerance policy. Anyone with possible drug information should contact the Drug Toll Free Tip Line at 1-800-351-TIPS or 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

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Reference: Two Vienna residents arrested for drugs, and possible meth lab

**UPDATE TO FOLLOW**

Members of the Maries County Sheriff's Office and the Lake Area Narcotics Enforcement Group have arrested Vernon W. Helton age 38 of Vienna and Amy J. Helton age 37 of Vienna for possession of methamphetamine, and drug paraphernalia.

While at their residence, located at 11850 Highway V Vienna, Missouri; Sheriff's Deputies located items suspected of being used to manufacture methamphetamine. Sheriff's Deputies secured Helton's residence and they are applying for a search warrant at this time.

Both Vernon Helton and Amy Helton remain in the Maries County Jail pending application of warrants.

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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The Maries County Prosecutor has charged Samuel L. Runge with Burglary 2nd Degree, stealing, and property damage 2nd degree. She has also charged William H. Noad with Burglary 2nd Degree, stealing, and property damage. The Honorable Kerry Rowden issued a warrant for their arrest and they both remain in the Maries County Jail on a $20,000.00 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

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During the early morning hours of July 20, 2011 Members of the Maries County Sheriff's Office responded to Thomas' Quick Spot to investigate a burglary. When Deputies arrived it was discovered that the suspects had broken out the front door of the business and then they had fled on foot. Deputies did recover some evidence from the scene and had identified one suspect using video surveillance.

Within 12 hours of the crime Sheriff's Deputies arrested Samuel L. Runge age 18 of Belle, and William H. Noad age 18 of Owensville. Both Runge and Noad are being held in the Maries County Jail pending application of warrants.

I have to commend Sheriff's Deputy Andy Klosterman for his hard work during 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

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Reference: Update on Arson

On July 12, 2011 a warrant was issued for Christine Buddemeyer age 43 of Belle charging her with Arson 2nd degree. Buddemeyer is the owner of the Depot family Dining. Buddemeyer remains in the Maries County Jail with a $20,000 bond. This incident was investigated by the Maries County Sheriff's Office and the Missouri State fire Marshals Office. They were assisted by the Belle Police Department.

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 July 10, 2011 Deputy Andy Klosterman conducted a traffic stop on Highway 63 near Vienna. During the course of the stop the driver was arrested for DWI. After further investigation the passenger James E. Roberds age 38 of Belle was arrested for Possession of Methamphetmine. A warrant was issued for Roberds arrest and he remains in the Maries County Jail on a $20,000.00 bond.

The Maries County Sheriff's Office will continue to stand strong on our zero drug tolerance policy.

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 morning hours of June 30, 2011 the Maries County Sheriff's Office received a report that the Depot Family Dinning located at 1101 West Highway 28 in Belle was on fire. Fire Marshal Roger Hayes investigated the fire and based on the evidence he suspected arson. The back door of the restaurant was pried open, and someone had forced entry into the business. It was also reported that cash was stolen from inside the business.

On July 11, 2011 members of the Maries County Sheriff's Office, the Missouri State Fire Marshal's Office, and the Belle Marshal's Office executed a search warrant at the residence located next to the restaurant. At this time a female subject was arrested for Arson 2nd Degree, and Distribution of a Controlled Substance, and she remains in the Maries County Jail. The name is being withheld until formal charges are filed.

I expect formal charges to be filed by the Maries County Prosecutor by July 12, 2011.

***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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This is a reminder that all Jr. Deputies that wish to be on the float for the Belle Fair to be at 1101 Parkview Drive at 5:00 pm. We will head to line up for the fair at 5:30pm. Any questons give me a call at 573-422-3381. Please wear your Jr. Deputy t-shirt.

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Members of the Maries County Sheriff's Office have been investigating a string of recent thefts around the Dixon Area for the past couple of months. Members of the Sheriff's Office have been attempting to locate one of the suspects identified as Nicholas R. Howe age 26 of Dixon. On June 19, 2011 Howe was located in Dixon and he was placed under arrest for stealing and trespassing. Howe is suspected of Stealing several thousands of dollars with of items from a residence on Highway HH. The Maries County Prosecutor charged Howe with felony stealing, and Judge Kerry Rowden issued a warrant for his arrest. Howe remains in the Maries County Jail on a $20,000.00 bond.

"There are other suspects in this investigation, and the Maries County Sheriff's Office is planning on making other arrests."

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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Reference: Maries County Sheriff's Office arrest suspect for stealing at Vienna Dollar General

On June 18, 2011 Maries County Sheriff's Deputy Andy Klosterman arrested Mona G. Shanor age 44 of Owensville for stealing at Dollar General in Vienna. Sheriff's Deputy Klosterman was investigating another crime when he located several items that had been stolen form the store. Shanor was held in the Maries County Jail.

The Maries County Sheriff's Office was assisted by the Vienna Police Department 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

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Reference: Maries County Sheriff's Office makes meth bust in Vienna

On June 16, 2011 Maries County Sheriff's Deputy Andy Klosterman conducted a traffic stop on Highway 63 near State Route A. During the course of the stop Sheriff's Deputy Klosterman located suspected methamphetamine, and suspected drug paraphernalia. Deputy Klosterman arrested Paul K. Umfress age 52 of Sullivan for possession of methamphetamine, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Umfress was held in the Maries County Jail pending warrant application. The Maries County Prosecutor has charged Umfress with possession of controlled substance.

"I have to commend Sheriff's Deputy Klosterman for his hard work fighting the war on drugs."

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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Investigators from the Maries County Sheriff's Office are looking for Nicholas Howe age 25 of Dixon. Investigators consider Howe a person of interest in some recent thefts, and they have been unable to locate him. If anyone has information on Howe's whereabouts please contact the Maries County Sheriff's Office at 573-422-3381. Currently, Howe has not been charges with any crime and shall be considered innocent until proven guilty by a court of law.

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 June 15, 2011 members of the Maries County Sheriff's Office and the Lake Area Narcotics Enforcement Group were following up on a string of recent thefts and possible narcotics violations near Dixon on Highway HH. During the course of that investigation Sheriff's Deputies gathered information that a suspected meth lab may be located at 37940 Highway HH, Dixon. Sheriff's Deputies arrested six suspects, and secured the residence for a search warrant. An application was made with the Maries County Prosecutor Terry Schwartz and a search warrant was issued by Judge Kerry Rowden.

Sheriff's Deputies conducted a search of the residence and located a large scale meth lab, rifles, and a handgun. Rodney E. Templeton age 34 of Dixon was charged with Manufacture with intent do deliver/sell drug paraphernalia, a class D felony. Templeton is being held in the Maries County Jail on $10,000.00 bond. Dennis D. Lawson age 50 of Dixon was charged with Manufacture with intent to deliver/sell drug paraphernalia, a class D Felony. Lawson remains in the Maries County Jail on $10,000.00 bond. Bobbi Jo Martin age 33 of Licking was charged with Manufacture with intent to deliver/sell drug paraphernalia, a class D felony. Martin remains in the Maries County jail on a $10,000.00 bond. Amy M. Copeland age 19 of Dixon was charged with manufacture/attempt to manufacture methamphetamine, a class B felony. Copeland remains in the Maries County Jail on a $50,000.00 bond. The homeowner Robert S. Gibbons age 41 of Dixon was charged with manufacture/attempt to manufacture methamphetamine, a class B felony. Gibbons also remains in the Maries County Jail on $50,000.00 bond.

"It is often a trend, while following up on thefts or burglaries inside the county to find drug violations. Typically, most individuals who steal do so to support their drug habits. Although, we may not always be able to recover stolen property we may be able to charge them with the drug violations."

Anyone with drug information should contact the Maries County Sheriff's Office at 573-422-3381, or the Lake Area Narcotics Enforcement Group tip line (if wished anonymous) at 1-800-315-TIPS.

"The Maries County Sheriff's Office will continue to stand strong on our zero drug tolerance policy."

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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I have to again thank everyone for their overwhelming support. It makes me truly grateful to live in a rural community. I must say it has been a tough battle remembering all the little things lost in the fire, but we will get through it and move on. The support everyone has given me has been very reassuring. I believe my daughter has more toys now then she has ever had.

I would like to remind everyone to take a careful look over your insurance policy. If you don't check it before something like this happens it will be to late to change. Take a list or a video of everything you have in your house, and store that list in a safe place (i.e. safety deposit box). Do not store it in your house! A lot of insurance companies will make you list every item you want to be reimbursed for, where/who you purchased the item from, address where you purchased that item, how old the item was, the replacement cost of that item, how much you paid for the item, and if you paid with cash/check/charge. It would make things a lot easier if you had a video of the items in your house, because I can promise you that you will forget about the majority of your items.

Again, I can't thank everyone enough. However, my family and I will recover from this incident, and I would ask that any other donations be given to your local church or other charitable organization.

I know that 98% of the citizens of Maries County are good law abiding citizens, and I can promise you that I will not be deterred or intimidated by the 2% who are not. Despite the rumors I will not be leaving Maries County, and I plan to continue working hard as your Sheriff.

Thank you for your support!

Your Sheriff,

Chris Heitman

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Reference: Joplin, MO-Devastation

On May 22, 2011 the Maries County Sheriff's Office deployed four members of the Maries County Emergency Response Team to aid in the search and rescue efforts due to the devastating tornado that hit Joplin, Missouri. The Sheriff's Emergency Response Team provided extra lighting equipment and a generator to aid in the search efforts. "This was the worst scene I have ever been on, and by far the most devastating. Everything was destroyed!" We were able to provide several local residents with food and water. Additionally, our team helped recover property for residents, who had lost everything. Several of these homeowners stated they didn't have insurance, and no place to go. "Emergency Responders came from all over to provide help, and it is always nice to see everyone pull together in a tragic time like this." After searching throughout the night and the morning hours our team of four were relieved, and the National Guard was arriving on scene.

If needed we will be sending additional members of our Emergency Response Team to continue helping with the search.

"I will be praying for those who were lost, and for those who are still searching."

Photos taken by Chris Heitman, Sheriff

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Joplin, MO Maries County Sheriff Deploys Emergency Response Team

I took this picture while in Joplin, Missouri this morning. 75% of the town is destroyed, the church is destroyed, but the cross still stands strong!

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Members of the Maries County Sheriff's Office investigated a domestic assault that took place near Belle. As a result of that assault a female victim had to receive medical treatment. Sheriff's Deputies were looking for the alleged suspect Lawrence W. Buehrlen age 32 of Belle.

On May 11, 2011, after several day of searching for Buehrlen, members of the Maries County Sheriff's Office located him on 8th Street in Belle and placed him under arrest. Buehrlen was charged with Domestic Assault 2nd Degree. Judge Kerry Rowden set a bond of $100,000.00 for Buehrlen.

Buehrlen remain 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

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During the evening hours of May 9, 2011 members of the Maries County Sheriff's Office responded to 17740 Highway 133 near Dixon in reference to an armed suspect wanting to commit suicide. When Sheriff's Deputies arrived on scene the suspect came to the door with a weapon in hand. The suspect told Sheriff's Deputies that he would kill them, and barricaded himself inside his residence. While backup units were responding the suspect fired four rounds out of the house. After about a two hour standoff the Sheriff was able to take custody of the male suspect. The male suspect had a self inflected gunshot wound to his leg and the back of his head. The male suspect was air lifted to a local hospital for treatment. The Missouri State Highway Patrol responded to assist.

"This was a dangerous scene, and I am glad no one was killed."

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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It is now illegal in the City of Belle to sell pseudoephedrine without a prescription. The Belle City Council unanimously passed the new ordinance. This ordinance was proposed to the City of Vienna as well, and I predict they will pass it as well.

"I hope this will help send a message to our capital that this is what the pubic wants and needs!"

Missouri has ranked one of the highest in the nation in the number of meth lab incidents since 2001. Since 2007, the highest concentration of meth lab incidents has been in the central United States moreover rural Mid-Missouri. Pseudoephedrine is the key ingredient used to make meth. Pseudoephedrine is the only ingredient that cannot be substituted in the manufacture of meth. Prior to 1976, pseudoephedrine was available only by prescription. Missouri, along with other states, initially experienced a reduction in meth lab incidents and arrests after the passage of state and federal pseudoephedrine laws in 2005. Those laws limited the amount of pseudoephedrine that could be purchased per day (3.6 grams) and per month (9 grams), required that pseudoephedrine be placed behind the counter, and required that purchasers provide identification.

Since 2007, there has been an increase in meth lab incidents and arrests in Missouri. The increase in meth labs is attributed to meth cooks finding ways to get around the laws limiting pseudoephedrine purchases. The most common way is by "smurfing," where groups of individuals enlist (and pay) others to purchase the legal limit of pseudoephedrine. Currently, pseudoephedrine resells for $50-$100 per box through smurfing. Recently, drug cartels have established large smurfing rings in the United States. They pay individuals to travel in vans from store to store purchasing the legal limit of pseudoephedrine.

As of March 3, 2011, 28 jurisdictions in Missouri have passed ordinances requiring a prescription for pseudoephedrine, resulting in 130 pharmacies in those jurisdictions dispensing pseudoephedrine only by prescription. An additional 247 individual pharmacies have voluntarily chosen to require a prescription. The City of Belle can now be added to this list.

Manufacturers have eliminated pseudoephedrine from many over-the-counter cold and allergy medications. Only 15 name-brand OTC medications contain pseudoephedrine and no children's remedies contain pseudoephedrine.

From January 2006 to December 2010, the Missouri Department of Social Services (DSS) substantiated 547 reports of children exposed to meth labs, involving a total of 987 children. Several of these children were residents here in Maries County. Of those 987children, 507 required placement in DSS custody. The total cost of providing custodial care to children exposed to meth labs in Missouri since August 2005, was approximately $3.4 million, based on the average child remaining in DSS care for 369 days at $18.35 per day. (Missouri Department of Social Services)

From January 2008 to December 2010, 469 newborns in Missouri were identified as having been exposed to meth (according to Missouri Department of Social Services). Meth-related offenses account for approximately 31 percent of all drug convictions in Missouri and cost the state approximately $17.6 million per year for incarceration and supervision. The majority of our inmates here in Maries County are being house on drug related charges, costing tax payers thousands of dollars a year. Treatment for meth addicts accounts for approximately $8.3 million of the annual treatment budget for Missouri Department of Mental Health. The annual cost to state and local agencies for meth lab cleanups is approximately $2.1 million. I would estimate meth lab investigations cost the Maries County Sheriff's Office well over $35,000.00 per year.

Two states that have passed laws requiring prescriptions for pseudoephedrine. Oregon and Mississippi have experienced dramatic reductions in meth lab incidents. The Oregon prescription-only law became effective in July 2006, and resulted in 95 percent reduction in meth lab incidents, 32 percent reduction in meth arrests, and 31 percent reduction in overall drug arrests. Since Oregon passed the prescription law, drug treatment admissions for meth decreased by 33 percent as of 2010, despite relatively constant admissions for other drug addictions during the preceding five years. Meth-related emergency room visits decreased by 35 percent as of 2010. The Mississippi prescription-only law became effective July 2010. Within the first six-months, Mississippi experienced 65 percent reduction in meth lab incidents, 62 percent reduction in meth arrests, and 76 percent reduction in children removed from meth lab sites.

It is for the safety and well being of our citizens I proposed this ordinance. I do believe this ordinance will be an inconvenience to some, but I feel it is in the best interest of our community.

I will be proposing this ordinance in the surrounding local cities as well, in an effort to reduce the amount of local methamphetamine labs.

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 morning hours of April 8, 2011 members of the Maries County Sheriff's Office conducted a traffic stop on Highway 28 in the City Limits of Vienna. During the course of the investigation the Sheriff's Office Drug Detection K-9 was deployed. As a result of their investigation Deputies arrested Mitchell J. Krieg age 26 of Linn for Possession of Controlled Substance with intent to distribute, and possession of drug pariphernalia. Deputies also located a loaded pistol in the vehicle. Krieg remains in the Maries County Jail pending formal charges.

***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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***UPDATE***

The Maries County Prosecutor has charged George F. Moody with possession with intent to distribute a class B felony. A class B felony has a punishment of a minimum of 5 years up to 15 years in Missouri Department of Corrections. The punishment can be extended if the offender has two or more prior convictions for felonies and/or certain misdemeanors: The maximum punishment for a pending B felony increases to 30 years.

Moody remains in the Maries County Jail on $100,000.00 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

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Missouri has ranked first in the nation in the number of meth lab incidents since 2001.
Since 2007, the highest concentration of meth lab incidents has been in the central United States.

Pseudoephedrine is the key ingredient used to make meth. Pseudoephedrine is the only ingredient that cannot be substituted in the manufacture of meth. Prior to 1976, pseudoephedrine was available only by prescription.

Missouri, along with other states, initially experienced a reduction in meth lab incidents and arrests after the passage of state and federal pseudoephedrine laws in 2005. Those laws limited the amount of pseudoephedrine that could be purchased per day (3.6 grams) and per month (9 grams), required that pseudoephedrine be placed behind the counter, and required that purchasers provide identification.

Since 2007, there has been a resurgence in meth lab incidents and arrests in Missouri.

The increase in meth labs is attributed to meth cooks finding ways to get around the laws limiting pseudoephedrine purchases. The most common way is by "smurfing," where groups of individuals enlist (and pay) others to purchase the legal limit of pseudoephedrine. Currently, pseudoephedrine resells for $50-$100per box through smurfing.

Recently, drug cartels have established large smurfing rings in the United States. They pay individuals to travel in vans from store to store purchasing the legal limit of pseudoephedrine.

As of March 3, 2011, 28 jurisdictions in Missouri have passed ordinances requiring a prescription for pseudoephedrine, resulting in130 pharmacies in those jurisdictions dispensing pseudoephedrine only by prescription. An additional 247 individual pharmacieshave voluntarily chosen to require a prescription.

Manufacturers have eliminated pseudoephedrine from many over-the-counter cold and allergy medications. Only fifteen name-brand OTC medications contain pseudoephedrine and no children's remedies contain pseudoephedrine.

From January 2006 to December 2010, the Missouri Department of Social Services (DSS) substantiated 547 reports of children exposed to meth labs, involving a total of 987 children. Of those 987children, 507 required placement in DSS custody.

The total cost of providing custodial care to children exposed to meth labs in Missouri since August 2005, was approximately $3.4 million, based on the average child remaining in DSS care for 369 days at $18.35 per day. (Missouri Department of Social Services)

From January 2008 to December 2010, 469 newborns in Missouri were identified as having been exposed to meth (119 in CY08, 163 in CY09, and 187 in CY10, according to Missouri Department of Social Services).

Meth-related offenses account for approximately 31 percent of all drug convictions in Missouri and cost the state approximately $17.6 million per year for incarceration and supervision.

Treatment for meth addicts accounts for approximately $8.3 millionof the annual treatment budget for Missouri Department of Mental Health.

The annual cost to state and local agencies for meth lab cleanups is approximately $2.1 million.

The two states that have passed laws requiring prescriptions for pseudoephedrine, Oregon and Mississippi, have experienced dramatic reductions in meth lab incidents.

The Oregon prescription-only law became effective in July 2006, and resulted in 95 percent reduction in meth lab incidents, 32 percent reduction in meth arrests, and 31 percent reduction in overall drug arrests.

Since Oregon passed the prescription law, drug treatment admissions for meth decreased by 33 percent as of 2010, despite relatively constant admissions for other drug addictions during the preceding five years. Meth-related emergency room visits decreased by 35% as of 2010.

The Mississippi prescription-only law became effective July 2010. Within the first six-months, Mississippi experienced 65 percentreduction in meth lab incidents, 62 percent reduction in meth arrests, and 76 percent reduction in children removed from meth lab sites.

All pseudoephedrine is manufactured outside the United States and the importation of pseudoephedrine has nearly doubled since 2005 (2005: 382,000 kilograms; 2010: 650,000 kilograms).

On September 28, 2010, Missouri implemented a database to track the sale of pseudoephedrine. The database is paid for by several pharmaceutical companies and is used as a tool by law enforcement to track purchases.

I encourage members of the public to contact your local Senators and State Representatives and asked that they support making pseudoephedrine, the key ingredient in the methamphetamine manufacture process, a controlled substance. This bill may cause an inconvenience to some people, but there is no question it will reduce these dangerous methamphetamine labs that are being cooked in our back yards. These labs contaminate our environment and cost thousands of dollars in local tax money to clean up. "The Maries County Sheriff's Office will continue to actively find and arrest individuals who manufacture and distribute this dangerous drug, and we will stand strong on our zero drug tolerance policy."



During the evening hours of March 31, 2011 members of the Maries County Sheriff's Office and the Belle Police Department were conducting a narcotics investigation. During the course of the investigation Sheriff's Deputies arrested George F. Moody age 49 of Belle for possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute. Moody was found in possession of a large quaintly of methamphetamine. Moody was taken to the Maries County Jail where he is being held pending formal charges.

This is the fifth time Moody has been arrested by the Maries County Sheriff's Office. Moody is currently out on house arrest, and he was recently sentenced in the United States Eastern District to five years in Federal Prison for drug related charges.

***UPDATE TO FOLLOW***

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During the morning hours of April 1, 2011 Members of the Maries County Sheriff's and the Dixon fire Department investigated a fire that is suspected to be cause by an active methamphetamine lab off of Maries County Road 635 near Dixon in rural Maries County. It is suspected that the meth cooks set up shop in this vacant mobile home and lost control of the meth lab causing a fire. The mobile home was completely destroyed, however, several components to an active methamphetamine lab were found around the home.

No suspects have been arrested at this time and this case remains under investigation of the Maries County Sheriff's Office. The homeowner, who has moved out of the area, is not a suspect in this case.

I encourage members of the public to contact your local Senators and State Representatives and asked that they support making pseudoephedrine, the key ingredient in the methamphetamine manufacture process, a controlled substance. This bill may cause an inconvenience to some people, but there is no question it will reduce these dangerous methamphetamine labs that are being cooked in our back yards. These labs contaminate our environment and cost thousands of dollars in local tax money to clean up. "The Maries County Sheriff's Office will continue to actively find and arrest individuals who manufacture and distribute this dangerous drug, and we will stand strong on our zero drug tolerance policy."

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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