MISSOURI STATE HIGHWAY PATROL
a division of the
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

Troop I Headquarters, P.O. Box 128, Rolla, Mo 65402


News Release

For further information please contact: Sergeant Dan Crain
573-368-2345
July 22, 2014
I07F14

EMPHASIS: Long-Term Drug Investigation Leads To Numerous Arrests


At approximately 6 a.m., July 22, 2014, members of the South Central Drug Task Force, in coordination with the Phelps County Sheriff’s Department, Rolla (MO) Police Department, and the Missouri State Highway Patrol, concluded a long-term narcotics investigation in Phelps County.

Over the course of approximately two and a half years, officers with the South Central Drug Task Force, Phelps County Sheriff’s Department, and Rolla Police Department were able to conduct a series of narcotics investigations involving the distribution/sales/possession of controlled substances. The investigation involved loosely affiliated individuals in and around the Phelps County area.

This investigation was aided by the 25th Judicial Circuit and the Phelps County Grand Jury convened by their authority. Grand jury indictments for each defendant were obtained through the Phelps County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office prior to the mass operation initiated early July 22.

Arrest teams consisted of members of the Phelps County Sheriff’s Department, Dent County Sheriff’s Department, St. James (MO) Police Department, Rolla Police Department, and the Missouri State Highway Patrol. Also called to assist during the operation was the Missouri Division of Social Services Family Support Division.

Individuals arrested in connection with this investigation were transported, processed, and held for bond at the Phelps County Jail. The following individuals were arrested as a result of warrants issued for the listed offense(s):

Jared A. Brown, 21, St. James, MO, distribution of hydrocodone; bond set at $100,000.

Darrell J. Smith, 53, Rolla, MO, two counts of distribution of hydrocodone; bond set at $250,000.

Jennie M. Gertler, 37, Rolla, two counts of distribution of hydrocodone; bond set at $100,000.

Jennifer S. Mayo, 24, Rolla, distribution of marijuana; bond set at $50,000.

Matthew W. Burke, 19, Rolla, distribution of marijuana; bond set at $50,000.

Michael T. Light, 28, Rolla, two counts of distribution of marijuana and one count of distribution of oxycodone; bond set at $250,000.

Cherise E. Garcia, 38, Rolla, distribution of oxycodone, bond set at $100,000.

Jordan W. Martin, 26, Rolla, two counts of distribution of marijuana; bond set at $100,000.

Christopher M. Bruno, 49, Rolla, two counts of distribution of hydrocodone; bond set at $250,000.

Stephen R. Doan, 25, Rolla, distribution of hydrocodone, bond set at $100,000.

Sam H. Jones, 59, Rolla, possession of methamphetamine and possess chemical precursors with the intent to produce methamphetamine; bond set at $250,000.

Ileen R. Corey, 26, Cuba, MO, distribution of hydrocodone; bond set at $100,000.

Karen S. Reichenbaugh, 57, Rolla, possession of marijuana; bond set at $5,000.

Denise M. Ward, 32, Marshfield, MO, distribution of heroin; bond set at $100,000.

During the course of today’s round up, the following individuals, who also were being sought on drug-related charges connected to this investigation, were to found to already be incarcerated:

Robert C. Bryan, 31, Steelville, MO, manufacture/ attempt to manufacture methamphetamine, and arson first degree; bond set at $250,000.

Brady L. Wilson, 29, Rolla, distribution of oxcodone; bond set at $250,000.

David L. Kern, 35, Rolla, four counts of distribution of a controlled substance (prescription medications) and two counts of distribution of heroin; bond set at $500,000.

David E. Rutledge, 28, Rolla, distribution of hydrocodone; bond set at $100,000.

Harland A. Frohmader, 27, Rolla, three counts of distribution of heroin; bond set at $250,000.

Carlos R. Harris, 39, Rolla, distribution of heroin; bond set at $250,000.

Mark E. Prebianca, 55, distribution of methamphetamine; bond set at $250,000.

The charges for which these individuals have been arrested are mere accusations 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.
In support of "The Drive To ZERO Highway Deaths," the Patrol encourages motorists to protect themselves and their passengers by making sure everyone in the vehicle is properly restrained in a seat belt or child restraint. Watercraft operators should ensure that everyone in the vessel is wearing an approved life jacket. Click It 4 Life and Wear It!!!




(###)