Area man facing felony charges

BENTON -- A Mississippi County man faces weapon and drug charges after trying to bring them into the Scott County Jail.

John Leon Groves, 30, of rural Charleston is charged with the class B felony of delivery or concealment of a knife into a jail, the class C felony of delivery or possession of a controlled substance into a jail, the class C felony of possession of a controlled substance and driving while suspended/revoked.

Scott County Sheriff Rick Walter said at 6:42 a.m. Saturday Scott County Deputy Danny Finley responded to Scott County Highway 528 in reference to a suspicious vehicle.

When Finley made contact with the vehicle and driver, identified as Groves, he conducted a check through the Department of Revenue which indicated that Groves' driving status was suspended, a news release from Walter said. Groves also had an active warrant through New Madrid County for felony stealing.

Finley arrested Groves and placed him into his patrol vehicle. A search was conducted, but Groves was wearing multiple layers of clothing.

"Groves was advised that any weapons or drugs found on his person while in custody at the jail would result in further felony charges. Groves said he did not have any weapons or drugs and was transported to the Scott County Jail," Walter said.

During the jail intake process, corrections officers discovered a white substance that tested positive for methamphetamine and three knives on Groves, Walter said.

"This is prime example of the public being aware and reporting suspicious activity resulting in the arrest of a wanted person," Walter said.

Groves remains in custody in the Scott County Jail with bond set by the court at $2,500 cash only.

The sheriff asks anyone who has information regarding any crime or suspicious activity to contact the Scott County Sheriff's Office at 545-3525, or leave a message on the crime tip line at 1-866-210-4322.