DEA pays tribute to Stoddard prosecutor

Stoddard County Prosecuting Attorney Russell Oliver was recognized by the DEA at a presentation Monday in Cape Girardeau for his actions in seizing synthetic drugs and prosecuting their makers.

DEA Regional Supervisory Special Agent Michael Scalise in presenting the first-of-its-kind award, credited Oliver with having been "instrumental in law enforcement's advancements against the growing threat of synthetics."

Also present for the Monday presentation was Rep. Jo Ann Emerson. Emerson sponsored legislation recently introduced in Congress to ban the synthetic drugs called "bath salts." State Sen. Rob Mayer, who also helped passed synthetic drug bans while in the Missouri legislature, was also on hand.