Drug arrests, seizures keep Scott County deputies busy

Scott County sheriff’s deputies have made two drug-related arrests and one large seizure of narcotics in the last five days.

The most recent arrest was Tuesday, when deputies arrested James W. Wharton, 63, of Oran, Missouri, on suspicion of possession of a controlled substance and unlawful use of drug paraphernalia.

Investigators were tipped off about drug activity at Wharton’s house in the 100 block of Miller Street, a news release from Sheriff Rick Walter stated. Deputies found a bag of a crystal substance that tested positive for methamphetamine, hydrocodone pills in a non-prescription container and several items of drug paraphernalia that contained a white residue thought to be methamphetamine.

Wharton’s bond was set at $25,000 cash or surety.

On Monday, deputies seized 117 grams of methamphetamine worth about $12,000 at a house in rural Sikeston, Missouri, Walter said.

Walter said the methamphetamine was seized without a search warrant, but there may be an arrest later.

On Friday, deputies arrested Jason M. Spence, 42, and Margret A. Francis, 27, both of Sikeston. Spence was charged with second-degree trafficking a controlled substance, two counts of possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, receiving stolen property and unlawful possession of firearms. Francis has been charged with possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute.

Walter said he has no reason to believe the three cases are related, but deputies are investigating.

“People are calling us with information right now,” he said. “It’s a really good partnership we’re starting.”

bkleine@semissourian.com

(573) 388-3644

Pertinent address: 100 block of Miller St., Oran, MO