One arrested after drug sale near a school

BENTON -- A Sikeston man was arrested Wednesday for selling controlled substances near a school.

Anthony Lashon Kelly, 29, is charged with the felonies of distribution of a controlled substance near schools and distribute/ deliver/ manufacture/ produce or attempt to produce with intent to distribute/deliver/manufacture/produce a controlled substance.

Scott County Sheriff Rick Walter said about 2 p.m. Wednesday, Scott County Sheriff deputies conducted a narcotics investigation that culminated with a purchase of 8 grams of marijuana from Kelly.

Deputy Danny Finley began the investigation based on information from a confidential informant. Senior Deputy Matthew Scroggins and Staff Sergeant Branden Caid, a criminal investigator with the Sheriff's Office, assisted in the planning and execution of the operation.

Walter said at about 2:15 p.m. the purchase was made on the parking lot of a business in the 600 block of Greer Street in Sikeston and was approximately 1,251 feet from the grounds of the Sikeston High School.

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