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
July 31, 2014
I07H14

EMPHASIS: Long Term Drug Investigation Leads To Arrests in Laclede County

At approximately 5:00 p.m., Wednesday, July 30, 2014, members of Lake Area Narcotic Enforcement Group (LANEG), in coordination with the Laclede County Sheriff’s Office, Lebanon Police Department and the Missouri State Highway Patrol, concluded a long term narcotics investigation in Laclede County, Missouri.

Over the course of approximately 12 months, overt and covert operatives with LANEG and the Missouri State Highway Patrol were able to conduct a series of narcotic investigations involving the possession, distribution/sales of methamphetamine, marijuana, morphine, and prescription medications. The investigations involved nearly 13 loosely affiliated individuals in and around Laclede County. Warrants for each defendant (multiple counts on many) were obtained through the Laclede County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office prior to this mass arrest operation.

Arrest teams consisted of members of the Laclede County Sheriff’s Department, Lebanon Police Department, Missouri State Highway Patrol, and LANEG. This operation is active and arrest teams are still seeking others who have been indicted. The success of this investigation was only possible through the cooperative efforts of all agencies involved.

The following individuals were arrested in connection with this investigation. They were transported, processed, and are being held at the Laclede County Jail in lieu of bond.

Bradley T. Barker, 31, Lebanon, MO, possession of methamphetamine and misdemeanor possession of marijuana; bond set at $25,000.00.
John Graybill, 60, Lebanon, possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute, possession of methamphetamine, misdemeanor possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia; bond set at $50,000.00.
Leonard M. Couch, 55, Lebanon, possession of methamphetamine; bond set at $50,000.00.
Natisha L. Dame, 35, Lebanon, possession of methamphetamine; bond set at $50,000.00.
James M. Terry, 50, Lebanon, felony warrant for possession of morphine and possession of a controlled substance (morphine), misdemeanor possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia; bond set at $25,000.00.
Jennifer A. Hentschel, 48, Lebanon, possession of methamphetamine; bond set at $25,000.00.
Kevin R. Bennett, 52, Lebanon, possession of methamphetamine; bond set at $25,000.00.
Tami J. Richardson, 40, Lebanon, possession of methamphetamine; bond set at $25,000.00.
Cristie L. Heath, 35, Richland, MO, possession of methamphetamine; bond set at $25,000.00
Shannon Behre, 36, Lebanon, possession of methamphetamine; bond set at $25,000.00.
Michael L. Tindle, 32, Branson, MO, possession of morphine and maintaining a public nuisance; bond set at $50,000.00.

During the course of the drug round-up, officers also arrested the following three individuals as a result of a traffic stop:

Stacy L. Dismang, 41, Lebanon, felony possession of methamphetamine, felony possession of drug precursors, felony possession of drug paraphernalia, felony resisting arrest by fleeing, careless and imprudent driving, no valid driver’s license, failed to register a motor vehicle and no vehicle insurance.
Kelly L. Vandergrift, 35, Lebanon, felony possession of methamphetamine, three counts of felony possession of drug precursors, felony possession of drug paraphernalia, felony resisting arrest by fleeing.
Donald R. Spradling, 30, Lebanon, felony possession of methamphetamine, felony possession of drug precursors, felony possession of drug paraphernalia and felony resisting arrest by fleeing.

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.

The Lake Area Narcotic Enforcement Group (LANEG) is a multi-jurisdictional drug task force coordinated by the Missouri State Highway Patrol. The task force specializes in narcotic related investigations and is composed of narcotics officers assigned by the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Camden County Sheriff’s Department and Crawford County Sheriff’s Department.

In support of "The Drive To ZERO Highway Deaths," the Patrol encourages motorists to protect themselves and their passengers by making sure everyone in the vehicle is properly restrained in a seat belt or child restraint. Watercraft operators should ensure that everyone in the vessel is wearing an approved life jacket. Click It 4 Life and Wear It!!!

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