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

Troop B Headquarters - 308 Pine Crest Drive - Macon, Missouri 63552


NEWS RELEASE

For further information please contact: Sergeant Brent J. Bernhardt
(660) 385-2132
B16055
May 14, 2016

EMPHASIS: Drug Arrests In Macon County

At approximately 3:50 p.m. on May 12, 2016, a Missouri state trooper stopped an eastbound 2015 Toyota Corolla for exceeding the speed limit on U.S. Highway 36 near the Long Branch exit, in Macon County. During the traffic stop, a strong odor of marijuana was detected coming from the inside of the vehicle and a search of the vehicle was conducted. During the search, approximately one-half pound of marijuana and drug paraphernalia were discovered inside the vehicle. The driver, Dalton J. Coventry, 24, of Aurora, Colorado, was arrested for felony possession of more than 35 grams of marijuana, unlawful use of drug paraphernalia, and exceeding the posted speed limit. Coventry was incarcerated in the Macon County Jail pending issuance of an arrest warrant.

At approximately 11:55 a.m. on May 13, 2016, a Missouri state trooper stopped an eastbound 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix for exceeding the speed limit on U.S. Highway 36 near Bevier, Missouri, in Macon County. Suspicious circumstances led to the trooper requesting and receiving consent to search the vehicle. During the search, approximately 3 pounds of marijuana and 15 grams of marijuana edible products were located in the trunk of the vehicle. A passenger of the vehicle, Yovany Ortiz, 19, of Burlington, Iowa, claimed ownership of the contraband and was arrested for felony possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute. Ortiz was incarcerated in the Macon County Jail pending issuance of an arrest warrant. The driver of the vehicle, Brendon H. Bernhart, 18 of Burlington, Iowa, was arrested for driving while suspended and exceeding the posted speed limit. A second passenger, Justin E. Newman, 20, of Burlington, Iowa, was arrested for unlawful use of drug paraphernalia and possession of up to 35 grams of marijuana, both misdemeanors. Bernhart and Newman were both later released on summonses. The Macon County Sheriff’s Department assisted the Patrol with the arrests.
The arrests stem for the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s continued efforts in curtailing criminal activity and seizing illegal contraband that is being transported on Missouri highways.

The charges for which the individuals were arrested are mere accusations and are not evidence of guilt. Evidence in support of the charges must be presented before of court of competent jurisdiction whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.

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