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Rural Benton couple is arrested on drug charges
BENTON -- A rural Benton couple are in custody following an undercover narcotics operation, which led to their arrest Wednesday.
Jennifer Carpenter, 19, and Steven Patrick, 24, have been charged with the class B felony of distribution of a controlled substance on a Grand Jury indictment, according to Scott County Sheriff Rick Walter.
Walter said while working undercover, a detective purchased an ounce of marijuana from the couple in September 2013 at a location near Benton.
"For law enforcement personnel working undercover for any given period of time, it can be extremely challenging, especially while working within a small rural community," Walter said.
The sheriff commended his investigators and patrol staff for being creative and resourceful in overcoming the challenges associated with conducting these investigations and continuing to make significant arrests.
Carpenter and Patrick remain in custody in the Scott County Jail. Bond for each has been set by the court at $25,000 cash or surety.
Walter said that his office will continue to investigate anyone who distributes narcotics in Scott County, and asks that anyone who has information regarding narcotics, or any crime, contact the Scott County Sheriff's Office at 545-3525, or leave a message on the crime tip line at 1-866-210-4322.