Three in custody on drug charges in Vernon County

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.

Elizabeth Jester, Jeramie West and Melissa McCartney are charged with 2nd degree trafficking drugs, 2nd degree.

Jester is being held on a $250,000 cash only bond. West and McCartney are being held on a $100,000 cash only bond.

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!!!

All persons charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.