Wanted Scott County couple now in custody

BENTON, Mo. -- A Scott County couple wanted for the production of more than 1,200 marijuana plants turned themselves in Saturday, according to the Scott County Sheriff's Department.

Daryl W. McKnelly, 55, and Vicki L. McKnelly, 52, turned themselves in to the Cape Girardeau Police Department and were then transferred to Scott County.

Their bonds had been set at $150,000 each earlier in the week, and they had not bonded out late Saturday.

Officers with the SEMO Drug Task Force searched the couple's home near Blodgett, Mo., on Thursday and found an elaborate hydroponic system for growing marijuana and more than 1,200 plants. The McKnellys were not at home when the search warrant was served, but warrants were issued for their arrest on charges of second-degree trafficking.