20 arrested in Drug Strike Force operation

A joint operation Tuesday in Buchanan County led to the round-up of 20 people during a strike force operation.

The Buchanan County Drug Strike Force assisted by the Sheriff’s Department and the St. Joseph Police Department arrested 10 defendants on drug charges as part of an investigation. The Buchanan County Prosecutor’s office has announced the following charges:

Brook Adkins, Class C felony – Delivery of a Controlled Substance, $15,000 cash bond

Lisa Benitz, Class B felony – Delivery of a Controlled Substance, $10,000 cash bond

Jeffrey Butler, Class B felony – Delivery of a Controlled Substance, $20,000 surety & $5,000 cash bond

Reva Dobsch, Class B felony – Delivery of a Controlled Substance, $10,000 cash bond

Todd Grable, Class C felony – Possession of a Controlled Substance, $15,000 cash bond

Megan McDowell, Class B felony – Delivery of a Controlled Substance, $20,000 surety & $5,000 cash bond

Renee Quimby, Class B felony – Delivery of a Controlled Substance, $45,000 surety & $5,000 cash bond

Christopher Roberts, Class B felony – Delivery of a Controlled Substance, $20,000 cash bond

Natasha Sutton, Class C felony – Delivery of a Controlled Substance, $45,000 surety & $5,000 cash bond

Stacy Tanner, Class B felony – Delivery of a Controlled Substance, $45,000 surety & $5,000 cash bond

According to the prosecutor’s Office, the range of punishment for delivery of a controlled substance is as follows: 2016 CRIMES – CLASS B FELONY – 5-15 YEARS OR 2017 CRIMES – CLASS C FELONY – 3-10
YEARS.

During the execution of the arrest warrants officers arrested an additional six people on various felony warrants, one misdemeanor warrant and three city warrants. Those defendants and charges are:

Rick Wattenbarger, Parole Violation – Nonsupport

Misdemeanor Warrant: John Tolliver, Assault 3rd Degree

Felony Warrants: Randi Babb, Stealing; Benjamin Everhart, Non-support; Gary Hale, Andrew County stealing;
Norman O’Dell, Non-support; Matt Smith, Parole Violation; Rick Wattenbarger, Parole Violation – Nonsupport
Misdemeanor Warrant: John Tolliver, Assault 3rd Degree
City Warrants: Joshua Butler, Jerry O’Dell and Jason Epperson

The arraignment for all the defendants in custody is expected for Friday, Feb. 24.