Scott City man jailed on drug charges

BENTON -- A Scott City man is in custody due to a Grand Jury indictment following an undercover narcotics operation.

Jimmy Simms, 49, has been charged with the class B felony of distribution of a controlled substance, according to Scott County Sheriff Rick Walter. Simms was arrested late Tuesday by Scott City Police Department and transferred to Scott County Jail on Wednesday.

While working undercover in June 2013, officers purchased hydrocodone from Simms near his residence in Scott City.

"While leads into hard street drugs such as methamphetamine and Heroin are routinely investigated, the illegal sale of prescription narcotics are still increasing at an alarming rate and simply should not take a backseat to other narcotic investigations," Walter said.

Simms remains in custody in the Scott County Jail. Bond has been set by the court at $25,000 cash or surety.

Walter commended the Scott City Police Department for their assistance in locating and arresting Sims after the issuance of the warrant.