An investigation conducted by the Sedalia Police Department’s Crime Resolution Unit has led to multiple arrests in Pettis County.
According to the department, investigators initiated an investigation into individuals involved in the distribution of crack cocaine in the Sedalia area In August 2025. In an effort to gather intelligence and identify all individuals involved in the drug trafficking organization, investigators conducted controlled purchases of crack cocaine over a three-month period. As these purchases were made, probable cause was developed for state charges related to distributing a controlled substance within a protected location against individuals who repeatedly conducted sales.
During the course of the investigation, investigators identified a suspect believed to be transporting large quantities of cocaine into the Sedalia and Pettis County area for the purpose of manufacturing crack cocaine and distributing it to individuals from whom investigators had purchased crack cocaine. The suspect was identified as 31-year-old Sarandon Staten.
The case was presented to a Pettis County Grand Jury on November 19, resulting in indictments against seven individuals from whom crack cocaine was purchased during the investigation. Arrest warrants were subsequently issued for those individuals.
On November 25, 2025, search warrants were executed at three separate residences known to be involved in illegal drug activity related to the investigation. Authorities first searched State’s residence on East 14th Street and took him into custody without incident. A search of the residence and a vehicle resulted in the seizure of more than one half pound of cocaine, nearly one ounce of crack cocaine, approximately three pounds of marijuana, an illegally possessed firearm, and U.S. currency believed to be proceeds from illegal drug sales.
Investigators then executed a search warrants at residences on North Washington Avenue and East Boonville Street,which were both believed to be used by Staten and other members of the organization to manufacture crack cocaine. Investigators recovered illegally possessed firearms, ammunition, cocaine, approximately ten pounds of marijuana, and U.S. currency believed to be proceeds from illegal drug sales. Cocaine and items consistent with crack cocaine manufacturing were also seized. During the execution of the warrants, 40-year-old Brad Cole was taken into custody as well.
Formal charges have been filed against Staten and Cole. Staten is charged with trafficking drugs in the second degree, delivery of a controlled substance, manufacturing a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance, unlawful possession of a firearm, and unlawful use of a weapon. Cole is facing charges for possession of a controlled substance, unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful use of a weapon, tampering with physical evidence, delivery of a controlled substance, and armed criminal action. Staten is being held without bond, while Cole’s bond was set at $100,000 cash only. Both subjects have counsel status hearings set for 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, December 2, at Pettis County Circuit Court.
Arrests warrants were issued for seven additional subjects involved with the operation. Per KMMO policy, the names of these individuals will not be released until formal charges are filed.