St. Clair County Sheriff's Office Press Release: 3 Arrested On Felony Drug Charges

Donald Hardy

ERNEST BURWELL, JR.

WENDY SUBER

On Wednesday, Oct. 2, three people were arrested in St. Clair County on felony drug charges. Donald Hardy, 65, Osceola, was arrested for distributing a controlled substance-methamphetamine, a class B felony. Ernest Burwell Jr., 60, and Wendy Surber, 50, both of Osceola, were arrested for possessing a controlled substance-methamphetamine, a class C felony. Arrest warrants were issued the same day.

St. Clair County Sheriff Scott Keeler explained on Oct. 1, a traffic stop was initiated on a vehicle Burwell was driving on Highway 13 south of Osceola. During the stop, methamphetamine was found on Burwell and he was arrested. The investigation led to a search warrant being obtained for a home on SE 256 Private Road off of TT Highway in Osceola where Hardy and Surber resided. A search of the residence revealed methamphetamine and items related to the sales of methamphetamine and Hardy and Surber were arrested. 

Hardy’s bond was set at $25,000 cash or surety. It was posted on Oct. 3 and he was released. Bonds for Burwell and Surber were set at $10,000 cash or surety. Burwell’s bond was posted on Oct. 3 and as of Tuesday, Oct. 8, Surber was still being held in the St. Clair County Jail. Court proceedings are scheduled for the three individuals on Oct. 16.