Multiple Sedalia residents were arrested earlier this week after a narcotics saturation detail was conducted by the Sedalia Police Department.
According to a SPD news release, on Tuesday and Wednesday, detectives with the drug enforcement unit and criminal investigations bureau, and officers with the K9 unit and patrol division initiated a narcotics saturation detail in response to receiving numerous citizen complaints pertaining to homes within the community suspected of being involved in illegal drug activity.
Kevin Klein, of the drug enforcement unit, told the Democrat the complaints were scattered throughout the city, but SPD focused on the areas that received numerous complaints. Detectives then created a list of those complaints, put together teams and tried to saturate those areas.
“These houses, we did our homework on them before we went out. If it didn’t fall into an investigation we had already ongoing, we decided to go after them like this,” Klein explained. “These were more nuisance houses to people, drug activity was going on there but not falling into being the big suppliers or stuff like that. We try to go after dealers and where they get drugs outside of Sedalia; these were more nuisance places where people were gathering, doing some drugs. We decided to be seen and make a presence — a lot of times people don’t know when we’re out there watching. This lets them see us out there doing these things.”
Klein said this isn’t the first time SPD has done a narcotics saturation detail, but that it has been awhile since one was conducted. He added that citizen complaints about suspicious activity are passed on to patrol officers so they can keep an eye on those areas in between responding to calls. This time, Klein said they had several complaints in specific areas stacking up so they decided to do the saturation.
During the operation, officers made a number of traffic stops, subject checks and conducted knock-and-talk investigations, targeted specifically at illegal drug behavior.
Thanks to detailed information provided by concerned citizens of the community regarding these problem areas, many of these contacts resulted in arrests and criminal charges.
Glen T.D. Grant Sr., 32, of Sedalia, was arrested Tuesday on charges of possession of marijuana and possession of marijuana with intent to distribute.
Tamalon R. Craig, 24, of Sedalia, was arrested Tuesday on charges of possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine), possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute (methamphetamine) and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Matthew W. Jones, 36, of Sedalia, was arrested Wednesday on charges of possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine), possession of a controlled substance (alprazolam), possession of a controlled substance (clonazepam), possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance (methamphetamine) and second degree endangering the welfare of a child.
Charles R. Winsauer, 35, of Sedalia, was arrested Wednesday on charges of possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine) and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Rayford L. Whitney, 55, of Sedalia, was arrested Wednesday on a charge of driving with a suspended license.
Klein said he encourages citizens to contact SPD if they have concerns or see suspicious activity in their neighborhood.
“Give us a call, give us detailed information about what’s occurring,” he said. “That can help us in getting out and doing this, but it could be a house we’ve been watching and that’s the last piece we need to get a search warrant. Definitely call us if you’re having problems. We may not respond right away, but we will get it handled.”
Citizens needing to report suspicious activity can call SPD at 660-826-8100. Call 911 in case of an emergency.
