West Plains, MO. – A Sparta man was arrested Friday night following a traffic stop in West Plains. James A. Scudder, age 66, was arrested by a corporal of the Howell County Sheriff’s Office on March 11, 2023, shortly after 8:30 p.m.
Corporal Nicholas Bruno with the H.C.S.O. spotted Scudder driving a pickup truck driving at low speed in the area of west 6th Street on Friday night. This area has been an active spot for arrests in the last few weeks, according to recent arrest reports. Cpl. Bruno performed a stop on Scudder after he switched lanes on Porter Wagoner Blvd. without signaling. During the stop, a search of Scudder was conducted and methamphetamine and glass smoking devices were discovered.
According to the probable cause statement, a search of the vehicle was conducted. A black bag was found containing seven baggies of meth. Also, a loaded .38 special was located next to the driver’s seat. Scudder admitted to the officer the gun was his and he knew he wasn’t supposed to have it, being a convicted felon.
James Scudder is charged with Delivery of a controlled substance except 35 grams or less of marijuana or synthetic cannabinoid, unlawful possession of a firearm, and unlawful use of a weapon – subsection 11.
Scudder is being held in the Howell County Jail on a $100,000 bond. He is scheduled for a bond review hearing on March 17, 2023.
