For further information please contact: Sergeant Brent J. Bernhardt
(660) 385-2132
B08013
January 2, 2008

EMPHASIS: Shelbina, Missouri, Resident Arrested On Drug Charges


On December 21, 2007, Austin N. Bickerman, 17, of Shelbina, Missouri, was arrested on a Shelby County warrant for felony distribution of a controlled substance (marijuana) near a school. Bickerman was taken to the Shelby County Jail and was later released after a court appearance.
On December 14, 2007, a citizen informed a Missouri State Highway Patrol trooper of a student who was possibly in possession of marijuana at the South Shelby [R-IV] High School. During a subsequent investigation of the reported illegal activity at the school it was determined that Bickerman had sold marijuana to a minor. The investigation was conducted by the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Shelby County Sheriff’s Department, Shelby County Juvenile Office, and the South Shelby School Administration.
The charges for which Bickerman was arrested are 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.
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