DOUGLAS COUNTY, Mo. — A Douglas County jury found Charles Deloss Sanders, 69, of Dora, guilty July 15 of delivery of methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia following a one day jury trial.
The conviction stemmed from a Jan. 23 search of Sanders’ residence on County Road 356 near Dora.
According to information released by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office following the arrest, Sgt. Aaron Box and deputies Shane Harden, Shawn Wilson and James Pueppke served a search warrant at the residence at approximately 6:50 p.m.
The sheriff’s office reported that deputies seized methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia and approximately 70 unused small baggies believed to have been intended for dividing methamphetamine.
Sanders and another resident, Elvin Smith, were arrested when the search warrant was served. Sanders was later charged with delivery of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia.
The sheriff’s office said at the time that Sanders was on probation and was being held without bond. The agency also described the search as the fifth narcotics search of Sanders’ residence in which illegal drugs had reportedly been seized.
Smith was charged with possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia after additional items were reportedly found in his area of the residence. His charges remain pending.
During Sanders’ trial, Douglas County Prosecuting Attorney Matt Weatherman represented the state and called Box and Harden as witnesses, along with Robert Miller, a forensic criminalist with the Missouri State Highway Patrol Crime Laboratory.
Testimony indicated that investigators found multiple items associated with the delivery and possession of methamphetamine, including the small baggies, a metal spoon and snort straws in Sanders’ bedroom.
Several items tested positive for methamphetamine during the investigation. Under Missouri State Highway Patrol Crime Laboratory policy, two items were submitted to the laboratory for testing.
Sanders was represented by Public Defender Chase Opolka. Sanders did not testify, and the defense called no witnesses.
Following the close of evidence, Opolka filed a motion for a judgment of acquittal. Judge Carter denied the motion after arguments were presented.
The case was submitted to the jury at 4:44 p.m. After approximately 90 minutes of deliberation, jurors returned guilty verdicts on all three counts.
Judge Carter ordered a Sentencing Assessment Report and scheduled sentencing for Oct. 6. Sanders is classified as a prior and persistent drug offender and faces up to life in prison.
Weatherman thanked the jurors who heard the case, as well as the 78 people who appeared for jury selection.
All charges against Smith are allegations, and he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
