Sheriff's department: Discovery of 'bath salts' leads to Scott County arrests

BENTON, Mo. -- Scott County authorities say they've had their first encounter with an imitation controlled substance marketed as bath salts, which led to the recent arrest of two Benton residents and an Oran, Mo., man.

Deputies arrested David Cornelius, 26, of Oran, Rana Pullum, 42, and Randy Ziegler, 50, both of Benton, after receiving reports of drug activity at a home in Benton. Officers who responded noted suspicious activity, according to Sheriff Rick Walter, and found a vehicle in the driveway registered to Cornelius, who had a warrant for his arrest. After arresting Cornelius, authorities allegedly found bath salts on the kitchen table.

Walter said more searching also turned up items related to methamphetamine manufacturing, prescription narcotics, drug paraphernalia and evidence of previous meth manufacturing activity.

Cornelius, Pullum and Ziegler are each charged with attempt to manufacture and possession of chemicals, an imitation controlled substance, precursors and drug paraphernalia.

Pertinent address:

Randy Ziegler

Benton, MO