County authorities surprised at ease of weekend drug bust

~ Sheriff says illegal drugs were in plain sight when deputies responded to domestic violence call.

BENTON, Mo. -- Authorities are scratching their heads after a Morley, Mo., complainant gave written permission to search a house she knew to contain bags of marijuana.

"It was plainly visible when the officers arrived. Baggies just laying out in the open spread throughout the residence, kind of haphazardly," said Scott County Sheriff Rick Walter.

Police responded to 211 Cora St., in Morley after receiving reports of shots fired during a domestic dispute.

The couple, Charles V. Roberts, 35 and Teresa G. Roberts, 38, began a heated argument sometime before 10 p.m. Friday.

Walter believes during the argument Charles Roberts pulled out a shotgun, saying, "If you don't want me around, then here, take care of it."

A struggle ensued, and the shotgun went off. Teresa Roberts was treated for elbow wounds unrelated to the gunshot. Charles Roberts was arrested at the scene.

Teresa Roberts initially claimed her husband fired the gun at her, but police now believe that claim is false.

While police were securing the scene they came across five full sandwich bags of what appeared to be marijuana. Other partially full bags were scattered around the area.

Police were also clued to the presence of drugs by the barking of a police dog trained to recognize the odor.

Teresa Roberts

Charles Roberts

When Teresa Roberts returned from receiving treatment, officers asked for permission to search the residence and she agreed, even going so far as to admit the baggies contained marijuana.

Walter said the officers had enough probable cause for a search warrant if it had been needed.

Officers then found what appeared to be marijuana plants on the property.

"Apparently, they were growing it there in their backyard," Walter said. "It appeared to be already harvested. The growing season is over, but there's enough there believe it was possibly for distribution. The baggies were stuffed full."

Walter said the couple were likely not a major drug distributors. "This was not that big of an operation. If they were growing enough to use themselves they also probably sold some to people they knew."

Charles Roberts is being charged with second-degree domestic assault, unlawful use of a weapon and manufacturing a controlled substance. His bail is set at $50,000.

Teresa Roberts is charged with manufacturing a controlled substance. Her bail is $25,000.

tgreaney@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 245