Shawn C. Echols, 53, and Andy J. Rotter, 56, both of Bonnots Mill, have been charged with possession of controlled substance except 35 grams or less of marijuana/synthetic cannabinoid, unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful use of a weapon, and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia following Thursday’s visit by deputies.

Cpl. Andrew Koon, in conjunction with detectives from the Jefferson City Police Department, conducted a knock-and-talk regarding an ongoing arson investigation of the burning of the Probation and Parole Office being conducted by JCPD.

According to reports, officers responded to the P&P office on West Main Street in Jefferson City for a burglary alarm and found the building on fire.

Rotter and Echols were taken into custody and a safety sweep of the residence with consent was conducted, at which time officers saw in plain sight a baggie containing white powder identified by the defendants as methamphetamine was found. The substance was confirmed as meth with a Nartec testing kit.

A search warrant was obtained and executed, leading to the discovery of several glass smoking pipes and a bong, along with a loaded .22 caliber Henry repeating rifle several thousand rounds of miscellaneous ammunition of various calibers. All items were taken into evidence and Rotter and Echols — both convicted felons in the state of Missouri — were placed under arrest.

Both men are being held without bond at the Osage County Jail.