01-16-11

Marijuana Bust

On 1/9/2012, Deputies made a vehicle stop on 71 Highway just south of 52 Highway. The vehicle was occupied by Chayne Bittner, 12/8/1975 and Robin Bittner, 9/16/1969 both of Noel Missouri. During the vehicle stop Deputies detected an odor of Marijuana coming from the vehicle. When confronted about the odor the driver, Chayne Bittner, admitted to having Marijuana plants in the back seat of the vehicle. The driver and passenger were placed under arrest and the plants were secured for evidence. The Sheriff's Office's K9 "Kilo" was utilized to detect any other narcotics in the vehicle. The K9 unit indicated on the trunk of the vehicle for possible other narcotics. Deputies performed a roadside search of the vehicle finding approximately additional 12 pounds of Marijuana.

The Bittners were transported to the Bates County Sheriff's Office and the vehicle was towed to complete a more thorough search. Once at the Sheriff's Office an additional small amount of Marijuana was recovered from a purse in the vehicle.

The seized Marijuana and plants has an estimated value of approximately $13,000.00.

Both Bittners were charged with Possession with the intent to Distribute. Bonds were set at $25,000 cash only.

On 1/11/2012 members of the Bates County Sheriff's Office, CNET Drug Task Force, McDonald County Sheriff's Office, Noel Police Department, Southwest Missouri Drug Task Force served a search warrant at the residence of the Bittners. Approximately 1 pound of suspected Marijuana and multiple items of drug paraphernalia were recovered from the residence.