BELLE — Several agencies worked together to search a residence near Belle on Monday, resulting in the arrest of four individuals on multiple charges and the seizure of illegal substances, paraphernalia, and firearms.

The Mid Missouri Drug Task Force, Osage County Sheriff’s Office, Miller County Sheriff’s Office, and other outside agencies, executed a narcotics-related search warrant at multiple properties in Belle.

During the search of a camper trailer on Branson Lane, Michael D. Branson and two others were located inside.

A search of the trailer uncovered methamphetamine paraphernalia, including glass pipes, a digital scale, and a plate containing 0.5 grams of methamphetamine. Additionally, two bags of methamphetamine were found in the camper’s toilet, weighing 3.8 and 26.19 grams. Authorities also located four firearms within the common area of the camper.

According to a probable cause statement filed by the Osage County Sheriff’s Office, when detectives advised Branson, “We found your meth,” Branson replied, “Okay.”

Branson has been charged with second-degree drug trafficking , possession of controlled substance, unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia, and unlawful use of a weapon. He has been released on $50,000 bond. A court date has not yet been set.

As Branson was being processed, Zachary J. Strebeck arrived on the property and was detained. Strebeck was found to be in possession of Alprazolam (1mg), a Schedule 4 controlled substance.

He has been charged with possession of a controlled substance. He is being held in lieu of $20,000 bond; no court date has been set.

In a separate location, Keith A. Eaves was located inside a cabin-style residence. He was taken into custody for multiple felony failure to appear warrants out of Osage County and Gasconade counties. 

A search of the residence uncovered several firearms, including a Stevens .22-caliber rifle, a Savage 93R17 rifle, a JTS X12PT rifle, a 12-gauge shotgun, and a Heritage Rough Rider revolver. The Heritage revolver and a Taurus 709 Slim 9mm pistol were loaded.

Drug paraphernalia was located on a pool table, including digital scales, glass smoking pipes, and a plastic container containing methamphetamine. The substance tested positive for methamphetamine and weighed approximately one gram. 

Eaves’ prior criminal history includes theft, assault, escape, and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia. He has been charged with possession of controlled substance, unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia, unlawful use of a weapon, and unlawful possession of a firearm. He is being held on a no-bond warrant. No court date has yet been set.

Lastly, during the execution of the search warrant, Ronald L. Stubblefield was found alone inside a camper trailer. A search of the area revealed a glass smoking pipe containing methamphetamine and a .22-caliber rifle. 

Stubblefield, upon being advised of his arrest, did not dispute ownership of the items found. He has a criminal history involving drug paraphernalia, possession of controlled substances, and unlawful use of a weapon.

Stubblefield has been charged with possession of controlled substance, unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia, unlawful use of a weapon, and unlawful possession of a firearm. He has been released on $35,000 bond. No court date has yet been set.

All suspects were transported to the Osage County Detention Center without issue.

The ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Mid Missouri Drug Task Force and collaborating law enforcement agencies.