Vernon County Sheriffs Office: Drug Bust on I-49

Thomas D. Shelton

A Vernon County resident is in custody after deputies made a traffic stop just outside of Sheldon Tuesday afternoon. According to court records, a felony warrant has been issued for Thomas D Shelton, 59 of rural Hume, Missouri for Possession with Intent to Distribute, a B felony. 

According to a press release from the Vernon County Sheriff’s Office, Shelton was the target of an investigation being conducted by the Sheriff’s Office and was being followed by undercover agents with the CNET Drug Task Force. 

According to Vernon County Sheriff Jason Mosher, deputies were waiting to make the traffic stop on I-49 near Sheldon while in communication with the undercover agents. Mosher said nearly 20 grams of what is believed to be methamphetamine was seized along with scales, small plastic baggies, and a glass pipe. 

Drugs found in vehicle on I-49

“This is one suspect in a larger investigation, but it’s a good start” said Mosher. The Sheriff said he could not release any more information about the on-going investigation at this time, but confirmed the Sheriff’s Office was working with agencies from other states and jurisdictions. Shelton was being held as of Wednesday in the Vernon County Jail on a $50,000 cash only bond.