AVA, Mo. — Two Ava residents were taken into custody early Thursday, May 14, after the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office served a narcotics search warrant on County Road 500-D in Douglas County.
According to the sheriff’s office, the warrant was the result of a several-month covert narcotics investigation into the alleged distribution of methamphetamine.
George Tate, 63, and Betty Tate, 60, both of Ava, were taken into custody when the warrant was served. During a search of the property, deputies reportedly seized methamphetamine, paraphernalia allegedly used to distribute methamphetamine and multiple firearms.
The sheriff’s office stated that both George Tate and Betty Tate are convicted felons and are prohibited from possessing firearms. According to the department, George Tate has prior arrests for possession and distribution of controlled substances dating back to 1980, while Betty Tate has prior arrests for possession of a controlled substance dating back to 1999.
Warrants were issued for both individuals on allegations of delivery of a controlled substance, methamphetamine; three counts of unlawful possession of a firearm; three counts of unlawful possession of a firearm while possessing methamphetamine; and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia.
Both George Tate and Betty Tate are being held without bond.
Sheriff Chris Degase credited deputies for their work in the investigation.
“I cannot recognize enough the tenacity and dedication of my deputies in this pursuit to rid our county of this poison,” Degase said. “We are determined to kick in every door and arrest those who are using and distributing illegal narcotics in Douglas County.”
Degase said he supports helping first- and second-time offenders, but said the department will continue taking an aggressive approach to narcotics enforcement.
“People can choose to disagree with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office’s aggressive approach to the enforcement of illegal narcotics, but I can assure you that ignoring the problem or enabling it is not the answer,” Degase said. “A message to those of you who continue to use and distribute illegal narcotics: quit or move out of Douglas County. It’s just a matter of time before it’s your door.”
The sheriff’s office thanked the Ava Police Department for assisting with the service of the search warrant.
All charges are allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
