DOUGLAS COUNTY, Mo. — Three people were arrested on drug related charges following an investigation July 10 on State Highway 5, just south of Ava, according to the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office.
Heidi Gardner, 27, of Ava; Benjamin Pitts, 29, of Springfield; and Jaiden Festag, 25, of Springfield, were each charged with possession of a controlled substance involving methamphetamine and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia.
The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office reported that deputies and officers with the Ava Police Department responded to a reported domestic incident along Highway 5. Officers located a black Chevrolet Tahoe connected to the incident.
An Ava Police Department K9 conducted an open air sniff around the vehicle and reportedly alerted to the presence of illegal narcotics. A subsequent search allegedly uncovered multiple baggies containing a white crystalline substance that field tested positive for methamphetamine, along with additional drug paraphernalia.
During the investigation, officers also allegedly found a glass smoking pipe containing residue on Pitts. The residue reportedly field tested positive for methamphetamine.
All three individuals were advised of their Miranda rights and transported to the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office. Festag provided a urine sample that reportedly tested positive for methamphetamine and Bupron.
Gardner and Pitts were each given $2,500 cash only bonds. Festag’s bond was set at $10,000 cash only.
The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office said the investigation remains ongoing. Sheriff Chris Degase thanked the Ava Police Department for its assistance in the case.
All charges are allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
