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
December 11, 2012
I12C12

EMPHASIS: Drug Investigation Results In Arrests Of Phelps County And Crawford County Residents


At approximately 7 a.m., December 11, 2012, members of the South Central Drug Task Force, in coordination with the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Phelps County Sheriff’s Department, and Rolla Police Department, concluded a long-term narcotics investigation in Phelps County.
Over approximately 12 months, officers with the South Central Drug Task Force, Lake Area Narcotics Enforcement Group, Phelps County Sheriff’s Department, and Rolla Police Department were able to conduct a series of narcotics investigations involving the possession and distribution of methamphetamine, cocaine, marijuana, heroin, and prescription medications. 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 that was 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 this morning.
Arrest teams consisted of members of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Phelps County Sheriff’s Department, Rolla Police Department, St. James Police Department, and the Lake Area Narcotics Enforcement Group.
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):
Clifford W. Gann, 27, possession of a controlled substance—methamphetamine (prior, persistent offender).
Toby Buehrlen, 32, delivery of and manufacture of imitation substance.
Leslie A. Crews, 29, distribution of a controlled substance.
John Calvin Brewer, 49, Rolla, possession of a controlled substance—marijuana;
Michelle Denise Brewer, 47, Rolla, possession of a controlled substance—marijuana;
Jennie M. Gertler, 36, Rolla, two counts of possession of a controlled substance—methamphetamine, and possession of a controlled substance—prescription drugs (prior, persistent offender);
Benjamin L. Gates, 38, Rolla, distribution of a controlled substance—marijuana;
Diana E. Helton, 41, Rolla, possession of a controlled substance—marijuana;
Benjamin C. Johnson, 31, Rolla, possession of a controlled substance—marijuana, possession of a controlled substance—methamphetamine, and possession of a controlled substance—Adderall;
Michael L. Juergens, 33, Rolla, distribution of a controlled substance—marijuana (prior, persistent offender;
Virginia A. Alvey, 45, Rolla, two counts of distribution of a controlled substance—hydrocodone and oxycodone;
Kenneth E. Carlton, 66, Rolla, distribution of a controlled substance—hydrocodone (prior, persistent offender);
Christina M. Elling, 21, Rolla, possession of a controlled substance—methamphetamine;
Cindy F. Elling, 52, Rolla, possession of a controlled substance—methamphetamine (prior, persistent offender);
Florence Feeler, 45, Rolla, distribution of a controlled substance—oxycodone;
Lorri Ann Bryant, 47, Rolla, possession of a controlled substance—oxycodone (prior, persistent offender). When arrested Bryant was found to be in possession of additional controlled substances, for which charges may be filed;
Nicole Lynn Constable, 37, Rolla, distribution of more than five grams of marijuana and distribution of a controlled substance—hydrocodone;
Roger D. Clark*, 55, Newburg, MO, manufacturing a controlled substance within 2,000 feet of a school—marijuana and possession of a controlled substance—methamphetamine;
Angela K. Tune-Prichard*, 39, Newburg, MO, manufacturing a controlled substance within 2,000 feet of a school—marijuana and possession of a controlled substance—methamphetamine.
*When Clark and Tune-Prichard were arrested, additional evidence was seized indicating marijuana was being grown within their residence;
Christopher Debault, 26, Rolla, distribution of a controlled substance—hydrocodone;
Ashley S. Bunton, 23, Rolla, manufacturing a controlled substance—methamphetamine;
Justin S. Chandler+, 31, Cuba, MO, possession of chemicals with intent to manufacture a controlled substance—methamphetamine;
Angela Guinn+, 24, Cuba, MO, possession of chemicals with intent to manufacture a controlled substance— methamphetamine.
+When Chandler and Guinn were arrested at their residence, additional evidence was seized indicating the presence of a clandestine methamphetamine laboratory.
Ryan Schneider, 37, Sunrise Beach, MO, delivery of a controlled substance—methamphetamine.

As a result of this same drug investigation, the following individuals were arrested prior to today’s round-up for the following offenses:
Edward Griffin, 26, of Rolla, distribution of a controlled substance;
Tonya Griffin, 27, of Rolla, distribution of a controlled substance;
Nancy Froelich, 27, of Rolla, five counts of a distribution of a controlled substance;
Devon Harrison, 25, of Rolla, distribution of a controlled substance—marijuana;
Desiree Yarnall, 25, of Rolla, two counts of a distribution of a controlled substance;
Chase White, 23, of Rolla, two counts of distribution of a controlled substance—marijuana and two counts of distribution of an imitation controlled substance;
Morgan Tarkington, 20, of Rolla, two counts of distribution of a controlled substance;
James Wilson, 49, of Rolla, two counts of distribution of a controlled substance;
Artishia Schuler, 35, of Rolla, two counts of distribution of a controlled substance;
Christine Rightnowar, 37, of Rolla, two counts of distribution of a controlled substance;
Ronnie Billings, 31, of Rolla, two counts of distribution of a controlled substance; and
Bryan Garner, 44, of Rolla, possession of chemicals with the intent to manufacture methamphetamine and possession of a controlled substance—marijuana.
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.


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