Businessman arrested on drug charges

DEXTER, Mo. -- A Dexter businessman is in jail this morning following his Tuesday arrest on drug-related charges, the Daily Statesman reported.

James R. Hanner, 35, of Dexter, co-owner of Lucas Florist, has been charged with the Class B felony of distribution of a controlled substance (Xanax) and the Class B felony of possession of a controlled substance with the intent to distribute.

According to the complaint filed by Deputy Keith Haynes, member of the Stoddard County Sheriff's Department and the SEMO Drug Task Force, a female confidential informant told authorities she had obtained Xanax pills from James Hanner.

"The female states that she usually goes to the florist to pick the pills up," the statement reads.

Haynes goes on to state that he recorded a telephone call between the informant and Hanner making arrangements to pick up a pill from him.

A short time later, Haynes, along with the informant and Deputy Dennis Fowler, drove the female to the Hanner residence at 16 W. Castor St. in Dexter where she was observed entering the residence. After a few moments she reportedly returned to Fowler's vehicle and handed Haynes a pill bottle containing a blue pill that appeared to be a Xanax pill.

Haynes went on to state that the female was wearing a digital recorder and the entire transaction was recorded.

Hanner was arrested around 10 a.m. Tuesday morning at his place of business in Dexter.

He is currently being held in the Stoddard County Jail facing a $50,000 cash-only bond.

He will be formally arraigned before Judge Joe Z. Satterfield Thursday morning.