Theft investigation leads to illegal drug, gun charge arrests

During a search of two New Madrid County residences during an investigation officers found illegal drugs and guns along with a 3-D printer which was being used to manufacture some of the guns.

MATTHEWS, Mo. — Two persons are facing charges after an investigation into the theft of a dirt bike uncovered much more.

On Wednesday, Sept. 4, the New Madrid County Sheriff’s Office received information that a stolen dirt bike was in the process of being sold at a residence on County Road 803. An investigative team from the New Madrid County Sheriff’s Office, the New Madrid Police Department, the Matthews Police Department and the SEMO Drug Task Force was assembled to investigate, according to a news release from New Madrid County Sheriff Ronnie Adams.

Upon arrival, officers located multiple suspects outside the residence and observed the stolen dirt bike to be present. The dirt bike was confirmed to be stolen out of Cape Girardeau County.

Also officers observed a handgun with what appeared to be a homemade suppressor and a 3-D printed gun frame.

Officers received a search warrant on two residences. During their search, they located approximately 61 grams of methamphetamine, multiple firearms, drug paraphernalia with packaging supplies and a 3-D printer which was being used for manufacturing of illegal firearms.

Officers took Tatyana Wheatley, 31, of Dexter and David Wilburn, 34, of Matthews into custody.

Wheatley is charge with distribution of controlled substances and felony stealing. Her bond is set at $50,000.

Charged with distribution of controlled substances, unlawful possession of illegal firearm and five counts of unlawful use of a firearm, Wilburn’s has his bond set at $50,000.

Adams said the investigation is continuing and more arrests are expected.