On Tuesday November 02, 2011 authorities from the Osage County Sheriff’s Department served a search warrant on a residence located on a farm in northern Osage County. According to Chief Deputy Rob Relford, during the course of the search items were found and seized for the growing and processing of marijuana. The search warrant stemmed from an ongoing investigation from a prior marijuana seizure at this same residence. Currently Gary Ray Whithaus age 28 of Morison, Missouri and Brian Keith Whithaus age 28 also of Morrison, Missouri are being held in the Osage County Jail on no bond warrants for the possession, manufacturing and attempted manufacture of a controlled substance.
According to Chief Deputy Rob Relford, the departments K-9 handler Detective Chris Wolfe conducted a demonstration for those present as to the dogs ability to locate various controlled substances in a variety of areas commonly used to conceal illegal drugs. According to Relford the dog and handler Chris Wolfe recently received their certification at the Little Rock Arkansas K-9 Academy. Members of the department are very pleased with this new addition to the Osage County Sheriff’s Office and are anxious to put him to work in the field.
Detective Chris Wolfe
Prosecuting Attorney Amanda Grellner, County Commissioners Elmer Senevey,Dave Dudenhoeffer and Chief Deputy Rob Relford.
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On February 10, 2012 authorities from the Osage County Sheriff’s Department K-9 team assisted Gasconade County authorities in conducting a walk-through of the Bland Middle School.
According to Chief Deputy Rob Relford, a walk-though of the middle school was conducted by Gasconade County Sheriff Randy Esphorst, Captain Chuck Howard, Osage County Sheriff’s Department K-9 handler Detective Chris Wolfe, his K-9 partner as well as Chief Deputy Relford and Bland Middle School Principal Bobbie Jo Lewis.
Sheriff Esphorst and Chief Deputy Relford both agreed that the walk-through was a success due to no illegal substances being found. According to Relford the Osage County Sheriff’s Department will continue to assist Sheriff Esphorst and the Gasconade County Sheriff’s Department as needed.
Relford stated that the Osage County Sheriff’s Department and its K-9 team are excited to work with the schools and neighborhoods in Osage County as well as with neighboring agencies in conducting drug interdiction in the schools as well as in the communities.
For more information on how the Osage County Sheriff’s Department K-9 team can be of assistance to your school or agency please contact Chief Deputy Relford at the 573-897-3927.
From left to right: Gasconade County Sheriff Randy Esphorst, Osage County Sheriff’s Department K-9 handler Detective Chris Wolfe
Osage County Sheriff’s Department Chief Deputy Rob Relford, Gasconade County Sheriff’s Department Captain Chuck Howard and Bland Middle School Principal Bobbie Jo Lewis.
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Update on Arthur Maness case:
Arthur Ray Maness, 52 of Bland Mo., was arrested Tuesday November 29th, 2011 at his home by Osage County authorities on an outstanding Osage County Felony warrant for possession of a controlled substance. During the arrest and subsequent investigation it was discovered that Maness was in possession of a stolen outdoor wood furnace from Oregon County, MO. At the time of this arrest, Maness was out on bond on three separate incidents of manufacturing and possession of a controlled substance from June and November of 2011 and a receiving stolen property charge from 2010.
According to Relford on February 15, 2012 Arthur Ray Maness was Federally Indicted on manufacturing charges and is currently being held in the Osage County Jail awaiting to be turned over to the U.S. Marshals Service.
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On February 14, 2012, authorities from the Osage County Sheriff’s Department arrested a fugitive wanted on a Federal indictment.
According to Chief Deputy Rob Relford, Osage County Authorities arrested Paul A. Malady 28 of Washington, Missouri without incident. Malady was wanted on a Federal indictment for Possessing Pseudoephedrine with the intent to manufacture methamphetamine, maintaining a drug involved premises and endangering human life while illegally manufacturing methamphetamine.
According to Relford, Malady was turned over to Franklin County authorities to face charges.
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Maness turned over to Federal Marshals:
Arthur Ray Maness, 52 of Bland Mo., was arrested Tuesday November 29th, 2011 at his home by Osage County authorities on an outstanding Osage County Felony warrant for possession of a controlled substance. During the arrest and subsequent investigation it was discovered that Maness was in possession of a stolen outdoor wood furnace from Oregon County, MO. At the time of this arrest, Maness was out on bond on three separate incidents of manufacturing and possession of a controlled substance from June and November of 2011 and a receiving stolen property charge from 2010.
According to Relford on February 15, 2012 Arthur Ray Maness was Federally Indicted on manufacturing charges and is currently being held in the Osage County Jail awaiting to be turned over to the U.S. Marshals Service.
After numerous drug arrests by Osage County Sheriff’s Department authorities, Arthur Ray Maness 52 of Bland, Mo. was turned over to federal authorities. According to Chief Deputy Rob Relford, Maness was turned over to the custody of U.S. Marshals on February 28, 2012 and transported to a federal facility to await further court proceedings.
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On March 09, 2012 authorities from the Osage County Sheriff’s Department responded to the Osage County R-II High School to investigate the report of a student with alcohol in his locker.
According to Chief Deputy Rob Relford a student was found with a bottle of alcohol in his locker on school property. After speaking with school officials and the student’s father, the individual was taken into custody for minor in possession of alcohol. The individual whose name was not released pending the filing of formal charges was taken to the Osage County Jail for booking and then was released to the custody of his father.
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L/R Sgt. Gary Storey, Princepal Ken Harris, Chief Deputy Rob Relford, K-9 Handler Det. Chris Wolfe and K-9
On March 14, 2012 authorities from the Osage County Sheriff’s Department K-9 team conducted a walk-through of the Osage County R-2 High School and Jr. High School.
According to Chief Deputy Rob Relford, a walk-though of school was conducted by, Osage County Sheriff’s Department K-9 handler Detective Chris Wolfe, his K-9 partner as well as Chief Deputy Relford, Sgt. Gary Storey Linn High School Principal Ken Harris.
Relford and Mr. Harris both agreed that the walk-through was a success due to no illegal substances being found. According to Relford the Osage County Sheriff’s Department will continue to assist all of the schools in Osage County upon their request.
Relford stated that the Osage County Sheriff’s Department and its K-9 team are excited to work with the schools and neighborhoods in Osage County as well as with neighboring agencies in conducting drug interdiction in the schools as well as in the communities.
For more information on how the Osage County Sheriff’s Department K-9 team can be of assistance to your school or agency please contact Chief Deputy Relford at the 573-897-3927.
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Osage County Authorities Arrest Burglary Suspects.
Two Holt Summit and two Jefferson City residents were arrested near Westphalia Missouri in Osage County Wednesday following a burglary in progress call.
According to Chief Deputy Rob Relford, officers responded to highway 133 after receiving a 911 call where neighbors reported seeing a suspicious vehicle in a residential area. The suspect vehicle matched the description of a vehicle described by numerous witnesses seen at or near the location of previous Osage County burglaries that have occurred in the past two weeks and were currently being investigated.
Upon arrival, the suspect vehicle was located and the driver, identified as Kathryn A. Zavoral, 24 of Holts Summit Mo. was taken into custody. The investigation revealed that a second suspect, later identified as Tuan A Nguyen, 39, of Holts Summit Mo., had fled the scene prior to officers arrival. He was apprehended a short time later near the scene of the burglaries after he had phoned a friend to pick him up. Both suspects were found to be in possession of stolen property at the time of their arrests. Two others were arrested and released pending further investigation and the filing of formal charges.
The arrests and investigation led to the search for and recovery of several thousand dollars worth of stolen property involving Osage, Cole and Boone Counties. More property is expected to be recovered. A large amount of the property was recovered from the suspects residence near Holts Summit Mo.
The suspects would allegedly target an area or neighborhood, then knock on doors claiming to be looking for a missing dog. If unanswered, the suspects would then forcibly enter the residence and take a large number of items. Primarily guns, jewelry, electronic equipment, cash and computers.
Anyone who believes they may have seen the suspect vehicle, a tan 1991 Ford F150 with a tool box on the bed in their area or has had a stranger inquire about a missing dog we ask that you contact Sheriff Fowler at 573-619-0099 or Chief Deputy Rob Relford at 573-619-9614, if you have not already done so.
Nguyen is being held in the Osage County Jail on a no bond warrant, charged with multiple counts of burglary and stealing.
Zavoral is being held on a $10,000.00 bond warrant in Osage County, on charges of burglary and stealing.
Additional charges are pending.
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Osage County Sheriff’s Department Burglary Update:
Two Holts Summit burglary suspects are back in custody. On March 27 Tuan A Nguyen 39 and Kathryn A. Zavoral 24 were arrested by Callaway County authorities Tuesday evening. Nguyen was arrested on eight felony counts of burglary and stealing on a “No Bond” Osage County warrant. Zavoral was arrested on Callaway county charges of harboring a fugitive.
According to Chief Deputy Rob Relford, Callaway County authorities were alerted to Nguyen’s warrant Tuesday evening. Relford stated that when Callaway authorities arrived at Zavoral’s residence she was uncooperative on the whereabouts of Nguyen. Nguyen was taken into custody a short time later, while trying to exit the back door of the residence.
Nguyen is being held in the Osage County Jail on eight felony counts of burglary and stealing on a “No Bond” warrant and Zavoral was being held in Callaway County pending the filing of formal charges.
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On March 29, 2012 authorities from the Osage County Sheriff’s Department K-9 team conducted a walk-through of the Osage County R-III Fatima High School and Jr. High School.
According to Chief Deputy Rob Relford, a walk-though of school was conducted by, Osage County Sheriff’s Department K-9 handler Detective Chris Wolfe, his K-9 partner as well as Chief Deputy Relford, Sgt. Gary Storey, Fatima High School Principal Chuck Woody and Assistant Principal Jeff Buthod. After a short demonstration by K-9 handler Chris Wolfe and his K-9 partner, Detective Wolfe began the walk through of the school.
Relford and Mr. Woody both agreed that the walk-through was a success due to no illegal substances being found. According to Relford the Osage County Sheriff’s Department will continue to assist all of the schools in Osage County upon their request.
Relford stated that the Osage County Sheriff’s Department and its K-9 team are excited to work with the schools and neighborhoods in Osage County as well as with neighboring agencies in conducting drug interdiction in the schools as well as in the communities.
For more information on how the Osage County Sheriff’s Department K-9 team can be of assistance to your school or agency please contact Chief Deputy Relford at the 573-897-3927.
Relford and Wolfe who are both certified through the Missouri State Highway Patrol on clandestine methamphetamine labs and there components, shared information with their class on the different materials to look for while they are working in and around river accesses, camp grounds and roadside park areas. Members of the class were advised if they come across anything that they were unsure of, they should contact their local sheriff’s department and have an officer respond to check out the suspect items.
After class, Detective Wolfe did a demonstration with his K9 partner on locating hidden narcotics. According to Chief Deputy Rob Relford the class was a success and that everyone who attended class asked questions and were motivated in learning more. Relford stated that the sheriff’s department left literature that would help the class identify what they find in the field so that when they call in the information the responding officer’s will have an idea of what they are responding to.
If anyone finds any item that they believe to be meth related please notify your local sheriff’s department. As a safety precaution “DO NOT” handle the items yourself.
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On April 23, 2012 authorities from the Osage County Sheriff’s Department and Linn Police Department responded to a residence on Washington Street in Linn, Missouri to investigate a suspicious person behind the reporting party’s home. When authorities arrived on scene the home owner advised them of the direction that the individual had left in on foot.
According to Chief Deputy Rob Relford, the Osage County K-9 officer Detective Chris Wolfe deployed his canine partner in an attempt to locate the individual. After tracking for 300 yards Detective Wolfe and his K-9 partner located the individual lying in a field. After speaking with the individual it was determined that the young man was in medical distress from taking his prescription medications, at which time an ambulance was called and the individual was transported to the hospital.
Relford went on to state that the Sheriff’s Department is very pleased with the performance of their K-9 partner in helping locate someone in the county who was in need of medical attention.
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On April 27th 2012 Chief Deputy Rob Relford with the Osage County Sheriff’s Department successfully completed training for the Mid-Missouri Major Case Squad. The three day course was held at the Boone County Sheriff’s Training Annex and was hosted by the Law Enforcement Training Institute located in Columbia, Missouri.
The three day course consisted of training in several areas from suspect and witness interviews, photography techniques, and evidence collection as well as other duties as a member of Major Case Squad. Upon completion of training Relford received his certificate and is now an active member in Mid-Missouri’s Major case Squad.
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On May 02, 2012 authorities from the Osage County Sheriff’s Department K-9 team conducted a walk-through of the Osage County R-1 High School and Jr. High School.
According to Chief Deputy Rob Relford, a walk-though of school was conducted by, Osage County Sheriff’s Department K-9 handler Detective Chris Wolfe, his K-9 partner as well as Chief Deputy Relford and Chamois High School Principal Brad Strobel.
Relford and Mr. Strobel both agreed that the walk-through was a success due to no illegal substances being found. According to Relford the Osage County Sheriff’s Department will continue to assist all of the schools in Osage County upon their request.
Relford stated that the Osage County Sheriff’s Department and its K-9 team are excited to work with the schools and neighborhoods in Osage County as well as with neighboring agencies in conducting drug interdiction in the schools as well as in the communities.
For more information on how the Osage County Sheriff’s Department K-9 team can be of assistance to your school or agency please contact Chief Deputy Relford at the 573-897-3927.
L to R: Chief Deputy Rob Relford, Chamois High School Princepal Brad Strobel, Detective Chris Wolfe and Joey
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On May 16, 2012 authorities from the Osage County Sheriff’s Department arrested Matthew James Schmitz of Linn for possession of marijuana. Schmitz was located in the woods at Ben Branch Lake Conservation Area after Conservation Forestry workers reported hearing someone screaming. According to Chief Deputy Rob Relford Schmitz was located and subsequently admitted to being under the influence of psychedelic mushrooms and that he was having a reaction to them. Authorities had EMS respond and assess Schmitz’s condition.
Relford stated that a misdemeanor amount of marijuana was also found and seized from Schmitz’s vehicle after authorities called in the County’s K-9 unit to assist in the investigation.
Schmitz was arrested, processed and released pending the filing of formal charges.
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On Sunday July 1, deputies with the Osage Co Sheriff’s Dept. responded to 1041 Osage Co. Rd 301 regarding a domestic disturbance.
According to Chief Deputy Rob Relford, while investigating the domestic disturbance, authorities received information of a possible meth lab at the residence. An investigation and subsequent search of the residence resulted in the seizure of a complete methamphetamine lab inside the bathroom of the home. Also seized was a small amount of powder suspected to be methamphetamine and a tank of anhydrous ammonia.
Relford stated that the resident of the home, identified as Jeffrey Alan Haslag, 48 of Linn was arrested at the scene. He was transported to the Osage Co. jail awaiting the filing of formal charges.
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Larry E Magar, 52 of Sullivan Mo was arrested Tuesday the 17th of July by Sullivan Police Department authorities on an outstanding Osage Co. warrant for the Class B felony of child molestation and the Class D felony of sexual misconduct.
According to Chief Deputy Robert Relford, the warrant on Magar was issued earlier Tuesday stemming from an investigation by Osage Co. authorities alleging that on at least one occasion, Magar had engaged in inappropriate contact with a 4yr. old daughter of a family member.
Magar is also a suspect in a similar investigation in the Sullivan area and is currently being held in the Osage County jail on a no bond warrant.
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On August 27, 2012 authorities from the Osage County Sheriff’s Department arrested Kenneth Charles Ketcherside 35 of Freeburg, Missouri.
According to Chief Deputy Rob Relford, Ketcherside who has a suspended Missouri State driver’s license was observed by Detective Gary Storey driving a 2002 green Ford Focus. When Storey attempted to pull Ketcherside over he fled north on Highway 63. Ketcherside was taken into custody after leading authorities from the Osage County Sheriff’s Department and the Missouri State Highway Patrol in a pursuit that ended when Ketcherside wrecked his car on Osage County road 521.
A subsequent investigation by Detective Storey revealed that Ketcherside who is a convicted sex offender and required to register with local authorities had failed to do so as required by law. Failing to register as a convicted sex offender in the State of Missouri is a Class C involving a child under the age of 14. Further charges are pending regarding Ketcherside’s residence being within a 1000 feet of a school or day care center which is a Class A Misdemeanor in the state of Missouri.
In a statement by Relford, Ketcherside is currently being held in the Osage County Jail pending the filing of formal charges.
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On August 28, 2012 authorities from the Osage County Sheriff’s Department arrested Daniel Scott Woemmel 27, of Linn on two outstanding Ripley County felony warrants.
According to Chief Deputy Rob Relford, an investigation was conducted to confirm Woemmel was in the area and surveillance was set up to make the arrest. Woemmel is facing to counts of statutory sodomy and one count of 3rd degree assault in Ripley County. Woemmel is in the Osage County Jail on a $105,000.00 bond.