BENTON, MISSOURI - Scott County Sheriff Rick Walter reports a Morley man in custody on drug charges.
Bryce A. Western (19) of 325 Flad Street, Morley has been charged with the Class C Felony of Possession of a Controlled Substance, the Class A Misdemeanor of Possession of up to 35 Grams of Marijuana, and the Class A Misdemeanor of Unlawful Use of Drug Paraphernalia.
Sheriff Walter states that on Tuesday, January 27th, at approximately 7:06 p.m., Deputy John Caudle stopped a car for an inoperable headlight on State Highway 91 in Morley. While speaking to the driver, the deputy noticed an odor that he believed was burnt marijuana. That observation led to additional questioning of the driver, and provided information that indicated Western should be investigated.
Deputy Carl Rose went to the Flad Street address around 8:30 p.m. He contacted Western, who was standing in the front yard, and spoke with him concerning the possibility of controlled substances inside the residence. Deputy Rose also spoke with another person residing there and was granted permission to search from both. Deputy Caudle arrived a short time later and smelled the strong odor of burnt marijuana inside the residence.
The deputies conducted a search. Several items were found out in the open. Among them were a gas mask modified for smoking marijuana that had apparent burnt residue and a green leafy substance believed to be marijuana; a box containing three electronic smoking devices with the same substances; a container with a green leafy substance believed to be marijuana; and a pill believed to be a schedule four controlled substance.
A safe was present inside the bedroom used by Western. Western declined to open the safe for Deputy Caudle to inspect. Sheriff Walter states that the safe was seized by the deputy and a search warrant will be requested. If a warrant is granted, and the contents are found to be in violation of law, further charges will be sought.
Western was arrested and transported to the Scott County Jail pending the filing of formal charges by the Scott County Prosecuting Attorney.
Sheriff Walter commends Deputy Caudle and Deputy Rose for their work on this investigation. The Sheriff said that the deputies often make traffic stops that result in more serious charges because they are looking beyond the obvious.
The Sheriff stated traffic stops have resulted not only with drug charges, but have also accounted for the recovery of stolen merchandise, the arrest of persons with outstanding warrants, and investigations into other criminal activities.
Sheriff Walter asks that anyone who has further information regarding this incident, other information on Western, or any other crimes to contact the Scott County Sheriff’s Office at 545-3525, or leave a message on the crime tip line at 1-866-210-4322.
Western remains in custody at the Scott County Jail. Bond was set by the court at $1,500.00 cash only.
