News Release



For further information please contact:

Sgt. Kent C. Casey

(417) 359-1500 ext. 2229

D0806Q1

August 22, 2006



EMPHASIS: Vernon County Underage Drinking Operation Results In Five Arrests





In response to numerous complaints from the public in the Nevada, MO, area, the Missouri State Highway Patrol conducted an undercover operation to determine if minors were being served alcohol at Echo’s nightclub. Undercover officers witnessed a minor purchasing alcohol at the establishment on August 16, 2006.



Donald D. Adams, 61, of Nevada, and the owner of Echo’s nightclub, was charged with two counts of permitting a minor to sell intoxicating liquor. Bartender Lezlie R. Fast, 26, of Nevada, MO, was charged with supplying alcohol to a minor. Two servers, Bethany K. Brower, 17, and Kellie D. Cooper, 17, both of Nevada, were charged with serving alcohol to a minor. A 15-year-old juvenile was charged for possessing tobacco products.

The Nevada Police Department and Missouri Division of Liquor Control assisted the Patrol during this operation.



The charges for which Adams, Fast, Brower, Cooper, and the juvenile were arrested are mere accusation and are not evidence of guilt. Evidence in support of the charges must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.