St. Clair County Sheriff Scott Keeler said deputies made two warrant arrests and took three reports of stealing during the week of March 9-16.

Osceola man facing felony drug charge

Patrick Lessley

     On March 12, Patrick Lessley, 53, Osceola, was arrested on a St. Clair County warrant charging him with class B felony charge of possessing of a controlled substance with intent to distribute. The charge stems from an investigation conducted by the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office and Mid Missouri Multi Jurisdiction Drug Task Force on March 11 at Lessley’s residence on SE 269 Private Road, Osceola. During the investigation methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia was located. Bond is set at $25,000 cash or surety.

Stealing reports

     On March 12, a St. Clair County deputy took a stealing complaint on SE 471 Road, Osceola. James Foltz reported leads to a Lincoln arc welder were cut and a large cast iron kettle was stolen. The value of kettle was estimated at $1,000 and damage to the welder was estimated at $200.

     On March 12, a St. Clair County deputy took a report from Brenda Carney in reference to a stealing at a residence on Highway 54. Carney reported a cast iron kettle with a stand and an cast iron tractor seat that was made into a stool/chair was missing from the front of the house. The value of the items was estimated at $200.

     On March 9, a St. Clair County deputy took a burglary report on NW E Highway. Bob Bourland reported he hired Tom Williams to work on a rental house and a bucket of Williams’ tools are missing from the home. Williams described the missing tools as a Dewalt 18-volt finishing nailer and a Mikita 18-volt battery operated drill, flashlight, and charger combo. He said several batteries were also in the bucket. The value of the tools was estimated at $800. A suspect was named and the investigation is ongoing

     Sheriff Keeler urges those with any information on these cases to contact the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office Tip Line, 417-646-5832, or email to tips@scsomo.org

Other warrant arrest

John Heistand

On March 11, John Heistand, 58, Clinton, was arrested on a St. Clair County warrant charging him with a class C felony of passing a bad check-$500 or more. The warrant was issued in April 2010 and stems from an incident in February 2010. Bond is set at $47.47 cash only.

Boyd Miles

On March 10, Boyd Miles, 49, Lowry City, was arrested in Osceola on a no bond felony probation/parole warrant for a probation violation.

Amy Bearden

     On March 9, Amy Bearden, 24, Humansville, was arrested in Collins on a Polk County no bond warrant for probation violation on an original class C felony charge of possessing a controlled substance and a class A misdemeanor charge of unlawful use of drug paraphernalia. The warrant was issued on Oct. 7, 2014, and stems from an incident in May 2013.

Donald Hardy found guilty of felony drug charge

     On March 10, Donald Hardy, 66, was found guilty of a class B felony of possession of a controlled substance-methamphetamine with intent to distribute. A jury of 12 St. Clair County citizens reached the verdict after a full day of evidence was presented. Sentencing in the case is set for the May 12 trial week.

     The charge stems from an investigation by the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office and members of the Mid Missouri Multi Jurisdiction Drug Task Force on Oct. 2, 2013 when a search warrant was served at Hardy’s residence off TT Highway. Methamphetamine and items related to the sales of methamphetamine were located.