Deputies with the Pettis County Sheriff’s Department and detectives with the Mid-Missouri Drug Task Force executed a search warrant on Maltsbarger Road in Pettis County on Monday, March 24.

During execution of the search warrant, eight people were detained on the property, and six were arrested and taken to the Pettis County Jail. A search of the property led to the recovery of fentanyl, methamphetamine, drug packaging supplies, and a firearm.

The department notes that this is the third warrant executed at this property in the last 18 months. 17 total individuals have been arrested for various drug, firearm, and stolen property charges over the three search warrants. Based on this information, a property seizure has been initiated through the Pettis County Courts and that seizure has been executed.

Of the six subjects arrested, four have been charged with several drug-related felonies. 59-year-old Marala Helms and 62-year-old Jody Morrill have been charged with trafficking drugs in the second degree and possession of a controlled substance, with bonds set at $100,000 cash or surety.

39-year-old Justin Schoen has been charged with possession of a controlled substance with a $150,000 bond. 37-year-old Samantha Batzel has been charged with trafficking drugs in the second degree, delivery of a controlled substance, unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia, and keeping or maintaining a public nuisance. No bond has been allowed for Batzel.

Helms, Morrill, and Schoen all have counsel status hearings scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 1. Batzel has a counsel status hearing set for 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 8.