BENTON - Two Scott County men remain in jail awaiting arraignment on drug-related charges.
Kevin R. McClendon, 47, of Sikeston, is charged with possession of a controlled substance, and James K. Sutton, 46, of Morehouse is charged with possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute. McClendon, who is on federal parole for drug-related charges, and Sutton, who is on state probation for drug-related charges, are currently being held in the Scott County Jail in lieu of $200,000 bond each.
According to Sheriff Rick Walter, the arrests occurred Sunday when Detective Bobby Penrod, acting on a tip from SEMO Drug Task Force agents, went to a business on County Highway 450. There he found and arrested McClendon and Sutton in two separate vehicles at a closed business. Seized as a result of the arrest were 14 grams of methamphetamine and 52 Xanax along with more than $1,700 in cash.
Walter praised the work of deputies and Task Force agents.
"We have a dedicated group of officers doing a difficult job and whatever it takes to get these criminals off of the street," he said noting officers and agents are never really off duty, but act on reports of criminal activity whenever they occur, even on days off.
Arraignment for McClendon and Sutton is scheduled for April 11 before Associate Circuit Court Judge David C. Mann.