Three arrested for attempted theft of meth ingredient

PERRYVILLE, Mo. -- Three Cape Girardeau County residents were arrested on suspicion of felony theft in Perry County Tuesday.

Steven R. Sadler, 22, and Linda C. Harris, 48, both of Cape Girardeau, and Chanda R. Hunsaker, 32, of Jackson were all charged with class B felony in the attempted theft of anhydrous ammonia, a key ingredient in the manufacture of methamphetamine. Harris and Hunsaker were also charged with the class B misdemeanor of trespassing.

If convicted the trio face a possible sentence of 5 to 15 years each in prison on the felony charge.

The three were arrested around 4 a.m. Tuesday when Perry County sheriff's deputies caught them attempting to steal anhydrous ammonia from the MFA facility at 3501 S. Highway 61 in Perryville, according to Perry County Sheriff Gary J. Schaaf.

"This has always been a hot spot for anhydrous ammonia thieves," Schaaf said. "My personnel try to watch this and other areas where this product is stored."

All three are in the Perry County Jail in lieu of $5,000 cash only bond.