Zoey L. Bramel, 23, and Ethan C. Shaffer, 22, were charged on Friday with possession of a controlled substance except for 35 grams or less of marijuana/synthetic cannabinoid, and two counts of felony endangering the welfare of a child involving drugs following a search of their home in Linn. At the time of this reporting, the two are believed to be in St. Louis.

“We’re working closely with our colleagues in St. Louis and hope to have the suspects in custody soon,” said Sheriff Mike Bonham.

According to authorities, the situation unfolded following a visit at approximately 11:30 a.m. on March 24 by the Division of Family Services (DFS) and the Linn Police Department, at which time the entire family was present in the residence. 

According to the probable cause statement, following that visit, DFS filed a complaint with the Osage County Sheriff’s Office. Based on a written statement given by the DFS investigator, Shaffer and Bramel admitted to regularly using Fentanyl. DFS removed the children from the home.

Based on the written statement, Bonham said the department filed for and was granted a search warrant.

At the time this warrant was executed, Bramel and Shaffer had reportedly told DFS they were headed to St. Charles to check into a rehab center. 

During a search of the home, members of the Mid Missouri Drug Task Force (MMDTF) and Osage County Cpl. Andrew Koon, Cpl. Darrell Chrisenberry, and Sgt. Chad Gray located a bag of 52 capsules containing white powder in a window frame in a Juul box, a bag of 181 capsules containing white powder in the pocket of a women’s coat in the closet, and a pink and green capsule located on the floor next to a baby mattress, all located in the main bedroom where Shaffer and Bramel slept next to two children. All powders tested positive for the presence of Fentanyl with a Nartec Fentanyl field test kit. 

MMDTF investigators noted in the probable cause statement that fentanyl is a deadly drug that can be absorbed through the skin and the fine powder can be lethal to anyone who has contact with this substance. A lethal dose of Fentanyl as described by the DEA is 0.002 grams, the approximate equivalent to two granules of salt, for an adult of average size and weight. 

In seeking charges, it was noted in the probable cause statement that “the careless location of the capsule that field tested positive for Fentanyl, located on the floor near their child’s bed, shows the lack of concern and shear disregard to the safety of others as to the level of exposure to extremely potent opioid these users are willing to accept.”

Two inhalant Narcan devices were located in the top dresser drawer in the main bedroom. These are used to reverse the effects of opioids.

A no-bond warrant has been issued for Bramel and Shaffer.