Former area sheriff faces more drug charges

VAN BUREN, Mo. -- Former Carter County sheriff Tommy Adams is now charged with distribution of both methamphetamine and cocaine in the county where he served as the top law enforcement officer, according to court documents filed Friday.

Adams was arrested in April on a single count of felony distribution of methamphetamine following an undercover investigation conducted by the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

An amended complaint filed with Carter County Circuit Court shows two additional felonies have been added, possession of a controlled substance and another charge of distribution of a controlled substance.

The document was filed by assistant attorney general James Hansen, who is serving as special prosecuting attorney for Carter County. Phone calls to the attorney general's office were not returned.

The new distribution charge alleges that between March 21 and April 1,

Adams distributed cocaine to a confidential informant.

Adams is accused in his original charge of distributing methamphetamine to the same informant on or about April 2. He is charged with possession of methamphetamine on the same date.

The 31-year-old Adams was released in early June on a reduced bond of $200,000 cash or surety, after spending about two months in jail on a $250,000 cash-only bond.

Associate Circuit Judge Randy Schuller said during the bond reduction hearing that the new amount would stand for current charges and any new charges filed.

Adams resigned from his position as sheriff shortly after his arrest.

Court documents relating to the highway patrol investigation and original distribution charge accuse Adams of snorting suspected methamphetamine in front of a confidential informant.

Pertinent address:

Van Buren, MO