After a three month long investigation into illegal narcotics activity in rural Milo, Missouri, the Vernon County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Nevada Police Department, and Missouri probation and parole executed two search warrants on 02/04/2026.
As part of this investigation, Drug Task Force agents with
the Vernon County Sheriff’s Office conducted controlled purchases of suspected
narcotics at one location within the past two months, resulting in the purchase
of an approximate total of 54.3 grams of suspected narcotics prior to the
execution of the search warrant.
As a result of the execution of these search warrants,
investigators seized approximately 175.5 grams of suspected illegal narcotics
and one firearm. One location resulted in the seizure of approximately 130.5
grams of suspected narcotics and a firearm, while the second location resulted
in the seizure of approximately 45 grams of suspected narcotics.
Formal Charges
As a result of this investigation, the following individuals
have been formally charged:
Elizabeth Jester
• Case Number: 26VE-CR00066
• Charge(s): Trafficking Drugs, 2nd Degree
• Bond: $250,000.00 cash only
Jeramie West
• Case Number: 26VE-CR00067
• Charge(s): Trafficking Drugs, 2nd Degree
• Bond: $100,000.00 cash only
Melissa McCartney
• Case Number: 26VE-CR00068
• Charge(s): Trafficking Drugs, 2nd Degree
• Bond: $100,000.00 cash on
**All persons charged are presumed innocent until proven
guilty in a court of law.**
The Vernon County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to
aggressively targeting illegal drug activity and removing dangerous drugs and
weapons from our communities.
Sheriff Buehler would like to thank the Vernon County
Emergency Management Director for assistance with drone operations, the Nevada
Police Department for their assistance during the execution of the search
warrants, Missouri Probation and Parole and the Vernon County Ambulance
District for being on standby while entry was made.
Sheriff Buehler
says"I made a promise to the citizens of Vernon County to do my best to
make Vernon County a safer and better place and I meant that. I will not
tolerate this in our community!!!
