Traffic stop was part of ongoing investigation

By Kyle Troutman [email protected]

A Cassville woman has been charged with two felonies for allegedly trafficking fentanyl.

Debra Lawyer, 64, of Cassville, is charged with second-degree trafficking drugs and possession of a controlled substance.

According to a probable cause statement filed by Det. James Meyers, with the Barry County Sheriff’s Office, on Thursday, at about 7:25 p.m., Barry County Deputy C. Roller initiated a traffic stop on Lawyer’s vehicle on Highway 60, west of Highway 97, near Pierce City, for having a handicap placard on the rearview mirror and following a vehicle too closely, especially in wet conditions. The stop was part of an ongoing fentanyl investigation allegedly involving Lawyer.

Prior to the stop, an informant disclosed to authorities that Lawyer was traveling to Oklahoma to allegedly resupply with fentanyl. The real-time location of Lawyer’s vehicle as confirmed with court-ordered electronic surveillance, and physical surveillance was also established by the Missouri State Highway Patrol Division of Drug and Crime Control Sgt. Zack Bryan, and Roller, who identified Laywer as the only occupant of the vehicle.

Roller activated his emergency lights following a change in Lawyer’s behavior, applying the brakes upon seeing his vehicle. Roller attempted to conduct the stop at the Yonkerville Country Store, and Lawyer stopped roadside on the shoulder. 

During the stop, Roller asked for consent to search the vehicle, and she refused. Roller then activated his K-9 unit based on information provided to him via the ongoing investigation. The K-9 alerted to the odor of narcotics during a free air sniff around the vehicle, pinpointing the driver’s side door and front passenger side door.

Because of the wet conditions and flow of traffic, Lawyer’s vehicle was moved to the parking lot of the store across the highway. Before a search was conducted, photos of the vehicle were taken. During the search, authorities allegedly located a large bag containing a powdery white substance under the driver’s seat, as well as a trash bag containing burnt foil consistent with narcotic consumption. 

A separate bag containing a white rock-like powdery substance was allegedly located in Lawyer’s purse on the front passenger seat. Also allegedly located in the purse was a prepackaged bag containing five oxycodone pills, as well as multiple small plastic baggies consistent with narcotics distribution, Meyers said.

Both substances field-tested positive for the presence of fentanyl, and the field weight was approximately 26.52 grams.

Lawyer is being held in the Barry county jail on a cash-only bond of $500,000. A bond appearance hearing is set for July 2 at 9 a.m. in the courtroom of Judge Robert Foulke.