Missing person call yields two felony drug arrests

Sierra Bartels

On Oct. 1, Erik Novotny, 27, and Sierra Bartels, 25, both of Osceola, were arrested on St. Clair County warrants charging them each with class B felony distribution/ delivery/ manufacture/ produce a controlled substance class C felony maintaining a public nuisance, class A misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia, and class A misdemeanor possession of marijuana. Novotny was also arrested on a Henry County warrant for failing to appear in court on a misdemeanor charge of driving while revoked. Novotny’s total bond is $20,200 cash/surety. Bartels’ bond is set at $20,000 cash or surety.

The charges stem from a St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office investigation the previous day when deputies were dispatched to NE 601 Road, Osceola, in reference to Novotny being lost in the woods. Information was obtained Novotny was wanted on an active Henry County misdemeanor warrant for failing to appear in court. Novotny was evidentially located and taken into custody on the warrant. Two used glass pipes containing residue consistent with the smell of burned marijuana and two opened packages of Zig-Zag ultra thin rolling papers were located in Novotny’s possession.

Erik Novotny

During further investigation three marijuana plants were discovered growing inside Novotny and Bartels’ residence. Other items located in the residence included , a clear plastic bag containing approximately 14 grams of marijuana, a digital scale, a mechanical scale, a skull shaped marijuana grinder, an Aleve bottle containing marijuana seeds, and a homemade smoking device.