AVA, Mo. — An Ava woman has been indicted by a Douglas County grand jury on five felony charges stemming from an Aug. 31 investigation involving methamphetamine, alleged drug distribution, evidence tampering and firearms.
Brittany Rachelle Young is charged with class A felony distribution of a controlled substance in a protected location, class D felony possession of a controlled substance, class E felony tampering with physical evidence in a felony prosecution, class E felony unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia involving methamphetamine and class E felony unlawful use of a weapon while possessing a felony controlled substance.
The grand jury indictment was filed Sept. 14 in Douglas County Circuit Court.
According to the indictment, Young allegedly acted alone or in concert with John Rieken on Aug. 31 and knowingly distributed methamphetamine to Rieken at 1101 Martin Ave., Apartment 11, in Ava. Prosecutors allege the location was within 2,000 feet of property comprising a public elementary school. INDICTMENT – Brittany Young
The indictment further alleges Young, acting alone or with Rieken, possessed methamphetamine while knowing of its presence and nature. INDICTMENT – Brittany Young
Young is also accused of attempting to conceal physical evidence during the investigation. According to the indictment, she allegedly attempted to conceal a razor blade by submerging it in a toilet, rendering it unable to be field tested for the presence of methamphetamine. INDICTMENT – Brittany Young
A separate count alleges Young possessed digital scales, spoons and a razor blade that prosecutors allege were drug paraphernalia intended for use in preparing amphetamine, methamphetamine or their analogues. INDICTMENT – Brittany Young
The weapons charge alleges Young, acting alone or with Rieken, knowingly possessed a Savage lever action .300 rifle and a Savage Arms semiautomatic .22 rifle while also possessing methamphetamine. INDICTMENT – Brittany Young
Following the indictment, the court ordered Young released on her own recognizance under conditions previously imposed in Division 2. Court records state she was placed under Court Probation Services supervision with twice weekly drug testing and prohibited from possessing illegal drugs or mood altering substances without a valid prescription. INDICTMENT – Brittany Young
The court also approved a home plan placing Young in the custody of her mother at a residence on South View Avenue in Ava. She was ordered not to possess alcohol or any controlled substance without a valid prescription and was prohibited from possessing firearms. INDICTMENT – Brittany Young
Judge R. Craig Carter was assigned to the case Sept. 15, and a criminal summons was issued. Young is scheduled for arraignment at 9 a.m. Oct. 21 before Carter in Douglas County Circuit Court.
All charges are allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
