Couple in custody on drug charges

Crystal meth was 'routinely delivered to and from' residence

CHARLESTON -- An extensive narcotics investigation in Mississippi County has ended with the arrests of two East Prairie residents.

Ronnie Dale Brawner Jr., 32, is charged with distribution of a controlled substance near a school and distribution of a controlled substance near a park, both class A felonies punishable upon conviction by not less than 15 years and up to life in the Department of Corrections.

Brawner faces additional charges of possession of a controlled substance, a class C felony punishable upon conviction by up to seven years in the Department of Corrections; and unlawful use of drug paraphernalia, a class A misdemeanor.

Rachel Nichole Myers, 33, is also charged with possession of a controlled substance, a class C felony punishable upon conviction by up to seven years imprisonment, and unlawful use of drug paraphernalia, a class A misdemeanor.

According to Mississippi County Sheriff Keith Moore, the investigation began last month when Deputy Cory Hutcheson received information that large quantities of crystal methamphetamine were being routinely delivered to and then sold from an East Prairie residence occupied by Brawner and Myers.

For the full story, see Thursday's e-edition.