DORA, Mo. — A 40 year old Dora man is facing multiple felony allegations after Douglas County authorities say he had been living without permission at a neighboring residence where deputies later found suspected methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia and a shotgun.
Justin Taylor Veits was arrested Aug. 2 after the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office executed an investigation at a residence on County Road 357. Court records show a complaint and probable cause statement were filed Aug. 2, and a warrant was issued with no bond under Missouri Supreme Court Rule 33.
The probable cause statement lists allegations of first degree burglary, possession of a controlled substance, unlawful use of a weapon, first degree property damage, felony stealing, first degree tampering and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia.
According to the probable cause statement filed by Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Aaron Box, the investigation began after authorities received information July 22 alleging Veits was “squatting” in a residence north of property he owned on County Road 357. Investigators determined the neighboring residence was a vacation home whose owner had not been there for approximately two years. The owner reportedly told authorities no one had permission to be inside the residence and that there should not have been vehicles or lights at the property.
Box reported conducting surveillance beginning July 23 and observing what appeared to be a frequently traveled path between Veits’ property and the neighboring residence. Investigators also reportedly observed lights on inside and outside the residence and a vehicle parked near the home. On July 30, Box reported seeing Veits travel on a red four wheeler and enter his own property by way of his driveway.
At approximately 1 a.m. Aug. 2, deputies surrounded the neighboring residence and ordered Veits to come outside. According to the probable cause statement, he surrendered without incident. After being advised of his Miranda rights, Veits initially allegedly told deputies he had permission from the owners to be at the residence, but later acknowledged the person he identified had not given him permission. Veits allegedly told investigators he had lived at the residence for two years and had been working on and maintaining the property.
Deputies then entered and cleared the residence with the property owner’s consent. Investigators reported finding two devices containing a white crystalline substance on a dining room table. The substance allegedly field tested positive for methamphetamine. A double barreled 12 gauge shotgun was also reportedly found in a firearm case in a lower level bedroom.
Authorities also investigated the condition of property stored at the residence and in a detached garage. The owner reportedly said a golf cart, two lawn mowers, a go kart and four wheeler had previously been chained and locked together. Deputies allegedly found the items unsecured, while a red Yamaha four wheeler was found in deteriorated condition. The owner also reported having power tools stored in the garage that deputies did not locate.
Veits was transported to the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and initially placed on a 24 hour investigative hold. Box requested a no bond hold or the highest bond conditions permitted under Missouri law.
Court records show Veits was arraigned Aug. 3. A bond reduction hearing was held Thursday, Aug. 6, before Associate Circuit Judge Elizabeth A. Bock, with an order entered afterward. The docket information provided does not state the terms of that order.
Attorney Chase Edmond Opolka entered an appearance on Veits’ behalf Aug. 4 and filed a motion for discovery.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Sept. 10 before Bock in Douglas County.
All charges are allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
