EAST PRAIRIE, Mo. - A tip lead to the arrest of three East Prairie residents on drug and other charges.
James Michael Evans Jr., 34, is charged with two felony counts of delivery of a controlled substance, and two felony counts of unlawful possession of a firearm.
Eric Gregory Phrampus, 21, and Kyle Carlos Linley, 22, are each charged with the felony of delivery of a controlled substance near a protection place. The charges specify a higher penalty upon conviction due to the proximity of the drug transaction to the East Prairie High School.
According to Mississippi County Chief Deputy Branden Caid, the investigation began over the weekend when Sheriff Cory Hutcheson received information that Phrampus was to pick up a half-pound of marijuana near East Prairie Saturday night.
In response to that tip, Hutcheson and Sergeant Ryan Hill conducted surveillance on Phrampus and learned he and Linley picked up a half-pound of marijuana from Evans then delivered the marijuana to an individual in the Eagles Landing subdivision, Caid reported.
Following the transaction, Linley drove away, leaving Phrampus on foot. At that time, Phrampus was arrested. When Linley's vehicle was stopped and searched, Hutcheson found marijuana, prompting Linley's arrest, Caid said in a news release.
Both men were transported to the Mississippi County Detention Center.
After obtaining a search warrant, Mississippi County sheriff deputies searched Evans' residence late Saturday night.
"During the search of James Evans' bedroom, deputies seized various narcotics and packaging materials, as well as two firearms, which due to his status as a convicted felon, he is not allowed to have in his possession," Caid stated
Evans was arrested and transported to the Mississippi County Detention Center.
As of press time, all three men remain in the Mississippi County Detention Center with their bonds set at $100,000.
Hutcheson offered his thanks to the Mississippi County residents for their tips, and reminds the public that all drug tips will be investigated and all sources will remain confidential.