~Second man is also arrested
STEELE -- Two men, including the mayor of Steele, have been arrested on drug charges after a lengthy investigation.
Steele mayor Keith Samford, 50, was arrested at just before 8 p.m. Tuesday in Blytheville, Ark. At the time of Samford's arrest, two to three grams of methamphetamine were recovered as well as a firearm from the suspect's vehicle. Samford was charged with delivery of a controlled substance (methamphetamine), simultaneous possession of a firearm and drugs, overt possession of pseudoephedrine and possession of controlled prescription drugs (Xanax).
At just before 9 p.m. in Blytheville, officers arrested Billy Jumper, 43, of Steele. At the time of Jumper's arrest, approximately three grams of methamphetamine were recovered. Jumper was charged with delivery of a controlled substance.
Both are being held in the Mississippi County, Ark. Jail pending an initial court appearance. Samford's bond has been set at $25,000.
The arrests are a result of a several-month investigation initiated by the Pemiscot County Sheriff's office after receiving information on Samford's involvement with methamphetamine. The investigation and arrests were conducted by the officers with the Pemiscot County Sheriff's office, Bootheel Drug Task Force, SEMO Drug Task Force, the Second Judicial Drug Task Force and the Blytheville Police Department.
The investigation into both arrests are continuing and more arrests are possible.