Sheriff Scott Keeler said deputies made five warrant arrests and took reports of burglary and stealing during the week of Sept. 26-Oct. 3.
Missing person call yields two felony drug arrests
Erik Novotny and Sierra Bartels-On Oct. 1, Erik Novotny, 27, and Sierra Bartels, 25, both of Osceola, were arrested on St. Clair County warrants charging them each with class B felony distribution/ delivery/ manufacture/ produce a controlled substance class C felony maintaining a public nuisance, class A misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia, and class A misdemeanor possession of marijuana. Novotny was also arrested on a Henry County warrant for failing to appear in court on a misdemeanor charge of driving while revoked. Novotny’s total bond is $20,200 cash/surety. Bartels’ bond is set at $20,000 cash or surty.
 Erik Novotny |
The charges stem from a St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office investigation the previous day when deputies were dispatched to NE 601 Road, Osceola, in reference to Novotny being lost in the woods. Information was obtained Novotny was wanted on an active Henry County misdemeanor warrant for failing to appear in court. Novotny was evidentially located and taken into custody on the warrant. Two used glass pipes containing residue consistent with the smell of burned marijuana and two opened packages of Zig-Zag ultra thin rolling papers were located in Novotny’s possession.
 Sierra Bartels |
During further investigation three marijuana plants were discovered growing inside Novotny and Bartels’ residence. Other items located in the residence included , a clear plastic bag containing approximately 14 grams of marijuana, a digital scale, a mechanical scale, a skull shaped marijuana grinder, an Aleve bottle containing marijuana seeds, and a homemade smoking device.
Two burglaries reported on NE 675 Road
On Oct. 1, a St. Clair County deputy took burglary reports on NE 675 Road, Deepwater. George Hankins and Peggy Jones reported their residences were burglarized. Jones stated her residence appeared to be ransacked. She said she went to Harper's house across the yard and found the back door standing open. She said the inside of Harper’s residence appeared to be ransacked also.
Jones reported several items missing from her residence including jewelry, cash and a television. The value of the items was estimated at $850.
Harper reported a blue and black 1995 Kawasaki 500cc four wheeler missing from a barn on the property and several firearms missing from his residence including a Savage .308 bolt action rifle, a Savage 30-06 bolt action rifle with a 4x9x40mm scope, a Remington 30-06 semi-automatic rifle and a 4x9x40mm scope, a 7.62x39mm SKS semi-automatic rifle with open sights, a Winchester 22 caliber semi-automatic rifle with a scope, a Marlin 22 caliber lever action, and two old rusty .22 caliber rifles. The total value of the four-wheeler and rifles was estimated at $2,300.
Stealing reported at Tally Bend
On Oct. 1, a St. Clair County deputy took a stealing report from Talley Bend Park Attendant Lukus Albin. He said several items were stolen from his camp site. Albin reported a total of six gas cans have been stolen from his camp site over the past weeks. Other items reported missing include three crappie fishing poles one ultra light crappie pole, two snagging rods, a Husqavarna model 51 chainsaw with an 18-inch bar, and a Stihl chainsaw with a 14-inch bar. The value of the items was estimated at $520.
Burglary reported at Bear’s Den
On Oct. 1, a St. Clair County deputy took a burglary report at Bear's Den on at NE C Highway, Lowry City. Owner John Broman reported a door to his business was found kicked open.
Several items missing from vehicle parked on side of Highway 13
On September 27, a St. Clair County deputy was dispatched to an abandoned vehicle on the shoulder of Highway 13 at Lakeland School with all four wheels missing. The deputy arrived and located a green 1998 Ford Mustang convertible with the front end sitting on the pavement and the back up on a wooden block. Several parts were missing including four wheels, fuel tank, battery, and stereo. The vehicle had a 48-hour towing tag on it issued by a Missouri State Highway Patrol trooper the day before. The deputy had the vehicle towed by a local company to their lot.
Later the same day a deputy was notified by dispatch to contact Brian Brock in reference to a vehicle that was towed. Contact was made and he reported his vehicle broke down in the location on Sept. 22. He stated when he found someone with a trailer to come pick the vehicle up, it was no longer there.
Brock met with the deputy and provided a bill of sale for the vehicle. He said a 1994 Nissan Pathfinder was traded for the mustang and the title was in the center console. After viewing the vehicle at the tow lot it was noted the convertible top was damaged and several other items were missing including a rebel flag, the title to the vehicle, the cold air intake system, the vehicle’s computer system and five tool boxes with Craftsman tools. He estimated the value of the items and damage at $7,439. The investigations are ongoing. Sheriff Keeler urges those with any related information should contact the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office Tip Line, 417-646-5832, or email to tips@scsomo.org.
Warrant arrests
 Santez Small |
Santez Small- On Oct. 2, Santez Small, 26, Springfield, was arrested on four St. Clair County warrants for failing to appear in court on misdemeanor charges of no insurance, driving while suspended/revoked, exceeded the posted speed limit by 26 miles per hour, and an infraction of failing to display plates on motor vehicle. Total bond is set at $1,262.50 cash only. The charges stem from a Missouri State Highway Patrol investigation on June 17.
 Kyle Breshears |
Kyle Breshears- On Sept. 26, Kyle Breshears, 19, Kansas City, was arrested on two St. Clair County warrants for failing to appear in court on class A misdemeanor possession of marijuana and an infraction of no seatbelt. Total bond is set at $2,510 with $10 cash only. The charge stems from a Missouri State Highway Patrol investigation in January.
 Madison Smith |
Madison Smith- On Sept. 27, Madison Smith, 19, Lees’s Summit, was arrested on two St. Clair County warrants for failing to appear in court on class C misdemeanor exceeding the speed limit by 11-15 miles per hour and an infraction of no seat belt. Total bond is set at $230 cash only. The original charges stem from a Missouri State Highway Patrol investigation in November 2015. Disclaimer: Arrest records are public information. Any indication of an arrest does not mean the individual identified has been convicted of a crime. All persons arrested are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Arrest warrants issued
Robert Martin(No photo)- On Sept. 26, a St. Clair County warrant was issued for Robert Martin, 34, Weaubleau, for a probation violation on an original misdemeanor charge of non support. Bond is set at $1,000 cash only.
 Charles Gillan |
Charles Gillan-On Sept. 28, a St. Clair County warrant was issued for Charles Gillian, 35, Collins, charging him with class D felony hindering prosecution of a felony. Bond is set at $1,000 cash or surety. The charge stems from an incident in Collins on Aug. 3. During the investigation it was determined Gillan made a telephone call tipping off home owners of a pending drug investigation planned for their residence.
Sheriff Keeler urges those with any information related to the location of these individuals to contact the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office Tip Line, 417-646-5832, or email to tips@scsomo.org
Court case updates
Andrew and Laura Strotkamp placed on probation
http://scsomo.org/court_case_view.php?id=32
http://scsomo.org/court_case_view.php?id=33