After a joint investigation conducted by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and the Ava Police Department, the Multi-Jurisdictional Task Force (MJTF), composed of Douglas County Deputies, Ava PD, and Ozark County Deputies, served a high-risk narcotics search warrant on February 14, 2022 at approximately 11 p.m., on Garfield Avenue in the Ava City Limits.
Officers seized over 1,500 grams of processed marijuana that was being repackaged, relabeled and sold as medicinal marijuana. Officers also seized over $3,700 in currency, cocaine, methamphetamine and several weapons. As a result of the investigation, three subjects were arrested and placed on a 24-hour hold in the Douglas County Jail.
Nathan Vanderstine, age 31, of Ava, MO. A warrant was issued for Delivery of Controlled Substance more than 35 grams of Marijuana, a Class C Felony; Possession of Controlled Substance – Methamphetamine, a Class D Felony; Possession of Controlled Substance – Cocaine, a Class D Felony; Possession of Controlled Substance – Psilocybin Mushroom, a Class D Felony. Bond Set at $1,500 cash bond. CPS twice weekly drug testing. No illegal substances including Marijuana even with card. 7pm to 7am curfew.
Kayla Welsh, age 28, of Ava, MO. A warrant was issued for Delivery of Controlled Substance more than 35 grams of Marijuana, a Class C Felony; Possession of Controlled Substance – Methamphetamine, a Class D Felony; Possession of Controlled Substance – Cocaine, a Class D Felony; Possession of Controlled Substance – Psilocybin Mushroom, a Class D Felony. Bond Set at $1,500 cash bond. CPS twice weekly drug testing. No illegal substances including Marijuana even with card. 7pm to 7am curfew.
Christopher Trent, age 31, of Gainesville, MO. A warrant was issued for Delivery of Controlled Substance more than 35 grams of Marijuana, a Class C Felony; Possession of Controlled Substance – Methamphetamine, a Class D Felony; Possession of Controlled Substance – Cocaine, a Class D Felony; Possession of Controlled Substance – Psilocybin Mushroom, a Class D Felony. Bond Set at $1,500 cash bond. CPS Supervision with twice weekly drug testing. No illegal substances including Marijuana with card. 7pm to 7am curfew. NO contact with Vanderstine or Welsh.
All suspects should be considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Sheriff Degase stated that he is confident the joint efforts and investigations being conducted by the Douglas County Sheriff’s, Ava Police Department and Ozark County Sheriff’s Office will have a positive impact on all of our communities.
As a reminder you may contact any of these agencies and as always you may remain anonymous.
