Just after 5 a.m. Thursday morning (May 8), the Sedalia Police Department’s STING Unit executed a no-knock, narcotics related search warrant at 1210 South Carr. Officers entered the residence and the garage simultaneously, and five people in the residence were detained without incident. A search of the residence revealed methamphetamine, packaging material for drug sales and drug related paraphernalia.

The search warrant resulted in the arrest of 35-year-old Esther L. Dean of rural Sedalia, and 33-year-old John H. Welch Jr. of the residence. Both suspects were transported to the Pettis County Jail and placed on 24-hour hold. Dean faces charges of distribution of methamphetamine within 2000 feet of a school, possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia. Welch faces charges of possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

During the search warrant, information was obtained that led to the identity of the drug supplier to Dean. In a cooperative effort between the Sedalia Police Department’s Drug Enforcement Unit, the Mid-Missouri Drug Task Force, detectives and a Sedalia Police Department K-9 Officer, a no-knock narcotics related search warrant was executed at 22704 Highway “T” in Lamont at approximately 11:50 p.m. Thursday night. Entry was made into the residence, and three people were detained inside without incident. A search of the residence revealed methamphetamine, cocaine, packaging materials for drug sales, and drug related paraphernalia.

The investigation revealed that meth was being sold from the residence, and according to a press release from the Sedalia Police Department, a "significant amount of methamphetamine" was located inside the residence during the search. Arrested at the scene was 52-year-old Michael L. Stewart.

Stewart was transported to the Pettis County and placed on 24-hour hold jail pending charges of first degree drug trafficking, distribution of methamphetamine within 2000 feet of a school, possession of methamphetamine, possession of cocaine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

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