Three arrested in Scott County on meth-related charges

BENTON, Mo. -- Three Mississippi County residents arrested on drug-related offenses remained in custody of the Scott County Sheriff's Department Monday after felony charges were filed Sunday.

Margo Wilkerson, 21, and Leo Hale, 39, both of Charleston, Mo., and Adam Hodges, 29, of East Prairie, Mo., are charged with manufacturing methamphetamine and possession of chemicals with the intent to distribute a controlled substance.

The three were arrested after Scott County deputies stopped the vehicle they were traveling in and reportedly located a "shake and bake" methamphtamine lab.

According to a news relase from Scott Couty Sheriff Rick Walter, authorities found a 1-liter plastic bottle containing a clear liquid, a white powder and pieces of metal inside the vehicle. The plastic container contained methamphetamine ingredients that were active and under pressure, Walter said in the release.

Hodges and Hale are in custody on a $100,000 bond, and Wilkerson remains at the Scott County jail on a $50,000 bond.