For further information please contact: Sergeant Dan Crain
573-368-2345
I10G08
October 24, 2008

EMPHASIS: Drug Arrest in Laclede County




Captain Luke Vislay, Director of the Division of Drug and Crime Control, announces the results of a short-term narcotics investigation in Laclede County.

As a result of a short-term drug investigation by members of the Lake Area Narcotics Enforcement Group, the Lebanon Police Department and the Laclede County Sheriff’s Department, information was obtained indicating Stephen L. Branch, 23, of Lebanon, was involved in the distribution of methamphetamine.
On October 22, 2008, the vehicle Branch was operating was stopped in Lebanon for several traffic violations. Following the stop, a crystal substance was seized from Branch’s person, which is believed to be methamphetamine, along with pharmaceutical pills, believed to be Vicodin. The methamphetamine was individually packaged in several small zip lock bags, indicating it was ready for distribution. Branch was arrested for various drug related felony violations and transported to the Laclede County Sheriff’s Department. A parole violation was issued on Branch and he remains in custody.

The Lake Area Narcotics Enforcement Group is a multi-jurisdictional drug task force. Its members include the Sheriff’s Departments of Crawford, Laclede, Camden, Dallas, Pulaski, and Gasconade Counties, as well as the Lebanon and Osage Beach Police Departments. LANEG is governed by a Board of Directors and is coordinated by the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

The above charges are mere accusations and are not evidence of guilt. Evidence in support of these charges must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.