BENTON, MISSOURI - Scott County Sheriff Rick Walter reports a Sikeston man arrested for sale of controlled substance near a school.
Anthony Lashon Kelly (29), of 531 Matthews, Sikeston, Missouri has been charged with the Class A Felony of Distributing a Controlled Substance Near Schools (RSMo. 195.214), and Distribute/Deliver/Manufacture/Produce or Attempt to Produce With Intent to Distribute/Deliver/Manufacture/Produce a Controlled Substance (RSMo. 195.211) a Class B Felony.
Sheriff Walter states that on Wednesday, March 11, 2015 at approximately 2:00 p.m., Deputies of the Scott County Sheriff’s Office conducted a narcotics investigation that culminated with a purchase of 8 grams of marijuana from Kelly.
Deputy Danny Finley began the investigation based on information he had garnered through a confidential informant. Senior Deputy Matthew Scroggins and Staff Sergeant Branden Caid, a Criminal Investigator with the Sheriff’s Office, assisted in the planning and execution of the operation.
Sheriff Walter states that at approximately 2:15 p.m., the purchase was made on the parking lot of a business in the 600 block of Greer Street in Sikeston, and was approximately 1,251 feet from the grounds of the Sikeston High School. Sheriff Walter explained that the crime enhances the punishment for the delivery of a controlled substance to a Class A Felony based solely on the location of the delivery, being within 2,000 feet of the real estate comprising the school grounds boundary line.
The Sheriff states that a confidential informant was used to make the purchase, the event was recorded, and all necessary precautions were taken to ensure the integrity of the case. Staff Sergeant Caid was observing from approximately three feet away.
Kelly left the business driving a white Lincoln Town Car with Missouri license plates, and he was the sole occupant of the vehicle. Deputy Finley conducted a traffic stop of the vehicle in the 100 block of East Street at approximately 2:19 p.m.
Kelly was arrested. He was found to be in possession of the pre-identified “buy” money used to make the purchase, and over $600.00 additional cash in small bills.
A search of the vehicle revealed an additional 7 grams of marijuana, packaged in a manner consistent with being used for sales, and was identified as being in the same container that the marijuana was taken from for the purchase on the parking lot.
Kelly was transported to the Scott County Jail pending the filing of formal charges by Scott County Prosecuting Attorney Paul Boyd.
Sheriff Walter commends his personnel for their performance in this matter. The Sheriff asks that anyone who has additional information on the activities of Kelly, other drug activity, or information regarding any other criminal activity 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.
Kelly remains in jail. His bond was set at $10,000.00 cash only by Judge Scott Horman of the Associate Circuit Court.
Sheriff Walter reminds everyone that all persons arrested are considered innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.
