Charges filed over drug bust

CARUTHERSVILLE - Charges were officially filed against four persons following a raid on a residence.

On Monday agents with the Bootheel Drug Task Force, assisted by agents from the SEMO Drug Task Force and Pemiscot County Sheriff''s deputies, served a search warrant at a house on County Highway 553 in the Cottonwood Point community. During the search officers found methamphetamine, several ingredients used in the manufacture of methamphetamine, marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

Arrested were: Michael Rushton, 26, and Paula Welch, 24, of Cottonwood Point, Jessie McClemore, 34 of Bragg City man and Betty McClemore, 24, of Kennett woman were taken into custody. The four are being held on charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of meth with intent to distribute, attempt to manufacture methamphetamine and possession of precursor drug with intent to manufacture methamphetamine. Also Rush was charged with keeping or maintaining a public nuisance.

They are being held in the Pemiscot County jail in lieu of $

100,000 bond each.

Authorities noted the search warrant was served at the same residence in November of last year. At that time agents seized methamphetamine and several other ingredients used in the manufacture of meth. Rushton was found guilty in connection with that incident.

Also, according to the Task Force''s news release the suspects and the residence has been under investigation for about two years.