OSAGE COUNTY  — As a result of a month-long investigation, Mid-Missouri Drug Task Force members were able to conduct five search warrants in three counties over a two-week period. Nine individuals were arrested and law enforcement seized approximately 500 grams of methamphetamine, 15 illegal firearms, and prescription narcotics.

“Outstanding work by the Benton County Sheriff’s Office, Osage County Sheriff’s Office, Morgan County Sheriff’s Office,” said a Mid-Missouri Drug Task Force press release.

Sheriff Mike Bonham added, “Operations like this is a great example of cross-directorate activity targeting county lines drug-dealing. We will continue to relentlessly pursue those involved in using the strategic road network to bring drugs into our communities. It is important to remember that while an initiative such as operations like this highlights a specific activity, day in and day out, our officers and staff are working hard and often in dangerous situations to tackle issues at county lines.”

In Osage County, Angelina Newton was arrested for possession of a controlled substance except 35 grams or less of marijuana/synthetic cannabinoid, and unlawful possession of a firearm.

Other cases were connected, with the following arrests:

Morgan County

• John Stafford (possession of a controlled substance except 35 grams or less of marijuana/synthetic cannabinoid)

• Melissa Capps (possession of a controlled substance except 35 grams or less of marijuana/synthetic cannabinoid), Cheyenne Bowers (delivery of a controlled substance except 35 grams or less of marijuana/synthetic cannabinoid), Danny Hayes (unlawful possession of a firearm), and Dawn Welch (possession of a controlled substance except 35 grams or less of marijuana/synthetic cannabinoid, and unlawful possession of a firearm)

Benton County

• Nicholas Stull: (delivery of a controlled substance except 35 grams or less of marijuana/synthetic cannabinoid, and unlawful possession of a firearm), Christina Morgan (delivery of a controlled substance except 35 grams or less of marijuana/synthetic cannabinoid), and Shayne Roberts (delivery of a controlled substance except 35 grams or less of marijuana/synthetic cannabinoid, failure to register as sex offender with an underlying offense unclassified felony, A or B felony, or felony involving a child less than 14 years old, and unlawful possession of a firearm).