NEWS RELEASE

For further information please contact: Sergeant Brent J. Bernhardt
(660) 385-2132
B08031
March 3, 2008

EMPHASIS: Madison, Missouri, Resident Arrested On Drug Charges


On February 28, 2008, at approximately 2:45 p.m., a Missouri State Highway Patrol trooper stopped a 2002 Jeep Cherokee, on Missouri Route 15, south of Paris, Missouri, in Monroe County, for a speeding violation. During the contact with the driver, who was identified as being, Steven M. Rich, 54, of Madison, Missouri, it was determined his driver’s license was suspended. During a subsequent search of the vehicle Rich was driving, a misdemeanor amount of marijuana, drug paraphernalia, and 18 individual packages of crack cocaine, methamphetamine, and powdered cocaine were located. The street value of the 18 individual packages of narcotics was estimated to be over $15,000.
Rich was arrested for speeding, driving while suspended, three counts of felony possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, misdemeanor possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Rich was incarcerated in the Monroe County Jail and is being held on a $50,000 cash bond.
The charges for which Rich was arrested are accusations and are not evidence of guilt. Evidence in support of the charges must be presented to a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
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