Drugs

Cole County deputies arrest 5 people in connection with Wardsville drug bust

Cole Sheriff deputies — Cole County Sheriff's Office

By Matt Ragsdale

Published April 13, 2020 10:47 AM

WARDSVILLE, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Cole County Sheriff's Office said Monday a fifth person was arrested in connection with a Wardsville drug bust that happened on Friday.

A release from the sheriff's office said 20-year-old Andrew Rotter was arrested on Saturday on suspicion of drug possession and resisting arrest.

On April 11, CCSD arrested Andrew Rotter for possession/delivery of a controlled substance & resisting arrest by fleeing. He being held on a no bond warrant. This arrest was part of the investigation at 6226 Route B in Wardsville. See Facebook for press release w/photo of drugs.
— Sheriff John Wheeler (@SheriffWheeler) April 13, 2020

Cole County prosecutors charged Sidney Rodriguez, Clayton Pace, Jeremy Bussone, as well as Jennie Branham in connection with the drug bust.

Deputies said a search of the residence Rodriguez, Pace, Bussone and Branham share in Wardsville revealed a methamphetamine distribution operation. Court documents said deputies found multiple bags of meth and prescription drugs in rooms throughout the house.

Today, at approximately 07:00 am, the Cole County SWAT and MUSTANG, served a narcotics based search warrant at 6226 Route B in Wardsville. About 168 grams, or a 1/3 of pound, of methamphetamine was seized and four people arrested. Investigation continues.
— Sheriff John Wheeler (@SheriffWheeler) April 10, 2020

Deputies alleged drug packaging materials including plastic bags and scales were found in Bussone's room.

A news release sent out Monday morning said Rotter ran from deputies after he was pulled over on Friday. Deputies alleged a controlled substance was found inside the car he ran from.

The news release said Rotter was later arrested with meth, prescription durgs, counterfeit money, as well as gun ammunition.

Online court records show Rodriguez, Bussone and Pace each face a charge of second-degree drug trafficking. The same records say Branham was charged with a count of possession of a controlled substance.

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