NEWS RELEASE



For further information please contact:

Sergeant Brent J. Bernhardt

(660) 385-2132

B05025

February 22. 2005



EMPHASIS: Drug Arrests made in Randolph County





At approximately 10:06 p.m., on February 17, 2005, a Missouri state trooper stopped a 1999 Ford passenger vehicle on U.S. 24, west of Rt. C, in Randolph County. During the traffic stop, illegal contraband believed to be methamphetamine; marijuana and drug paraphernalia were located.



The driver of the vehicle, Christopher E. Hosmer, 22, of Salisbury, Missouri, was arrested for felony possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, misdemeanor possession of marijuana, driving while suspended, no seat belt, and a Chariton County warrant for no valid drivers license. A passenger of the vehicle, Brittney L. Knight, 18, also of Salisbury, Missouri, was arrested for felony possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia and misdemeanor possession of marijuana. Both were transported to the Moberly city jail where they were held on $25,000 bonds.



As a result of the traffic stop, a search warrant was obtained for a residence at 501 Barrow Street, in Moberly, Missouri. Members of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Moberly Police Department, Randolph County Sheriff’s Department, and the North Missouri Drug Task Force executed the search warrant at approximately 3:40 a.m., on February 18, 2005.



During the search, illegal contraband believed to be methamphetamine, marijuana, drug paraphernalia, and weapons were located. At the conclusion of the search warrant, three individuals were arrested and a juvenile was taken into custody. Gary W. Keehart, 34; and Kerri D. Baker, 39, both of Moberly, Missouri, were arrested for eight Felony counts of possession of a controlled substance, possession of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute, possession of drug paraphernalia, and misdemeanor possession of marijuana. A $50,000 bond was set for both individuals. Curtis A. Pearce, 20, of Moberly, Missouri was arrested for possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. A bond for Pearce was set at $25,000.



The charges for which the above individuals were 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.