The Ray County Coroner has been accused of smoking methamphetamine in his hearse while sitting outside the Argosy Casino. Toby L. Polley, 46, of Lawson, Missouri was charged in Platte County on May 19 with possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was arrested May 22.

Platte County Prosecuting Attorney Eric Zahnd said Polley was allegedly seen on surveillance video smoking a glass pipe inside a white hearse in the Argosy Casino parking lot just before midnight on February 24.

According to court documents, a Riverside police officer arrived at the scene. Polley allegedly told the officer there was a pipe in the middle console but nothing else illegal in the vehicle.

Upon searching the vehicle, however, the officer located a white crystal substance tucked in the passenger seat. Court documents say Polley admitted the white substance was methamphetamine.

After being arrested on a warrant in Taney County on May 22, Polley posted a $10,000 cash bond and was released. If convicted of possession of a controlled substance, he faces up to seven years in prison.

This case was investigated by Riverside Department of Public Safety. It is being prosecuted by Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Megan Benton.

The charges against Polley are merely accusations, and he is considered innocent until and unless proven guilty.

The probable cause statement is attached. If you need additional information, please contact Jill Baker, our office’s media liaison.