KC Man Sentenced to 15 Years for Fentanyl Conspiracy Fentanyl Trafficking Resulted in the Three Overdose Deaths

A Kansas City, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for his role in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, which resulted in the deaths of three persons.

Luis Manuel Morales, 24, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Roseann Ketchmark to 15 years in federal prison without parole.

On May 8, 2024mi, Morales pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering.

Morales admitted that he was a source of supply of fentanyl pills for co-defendant Tiger Dean Draggoo, 24, of Kansas City, Mo. On occasion, Draggoo also served as a source of supply of fentanyl pills for Morales. Morales also introduced Draggoo to additional sources of fentanyl pills.

Morales sold at least 1,764 pills to Draggoo over 15 separate transactions from Jan. 17 to Oct. 29, 2022, for which he was paid $2,320 through Cash App and an additional amount in cash. Morales also purchased at least 100 fentanyl pills from Draggoo during this time period, for which he paid $750. In total, those 1,864 pills contained approximately 205 grams of fentanyl.

Morales and Draggoo conspired to conceal and disguise the nature of the transfer of funds through Cash App by referring to the payments as “rent,” “food clothes,” “clothes,” “food and beer,” “food,” “apt rent,” “reimbursement for mechanic,” and “reimbursement car payment.”

Morales was on probation at the time that he was supplying Dragoo with fentanyl pills, following his guilty plea in state court to attempted armed robbery after he and another person robbed a victim at gunpoint.

Morales is the first defendant in this case to be sentenced. On Oct. 16, 2024, Draggoo pleaded guilty to his role in the fentanyl conspiracy and to three counts of distributing fentanyl resulting in death. Five additional defendants have pleaded guilty and await sentencing.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brad K. Kavanaugh and Robert Smith. It was investigated by the Jackson County Drug Task Force, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Belton, Mo., Police Department, the Raymore, Mo., Police Department, the Cass County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, and the FBI.

Cooler the next few days and then rain

Multiple rounds of showers and storms expected Saturday through Tuesday with locally heavy rainfall possible.

Widespread rainfall amounts of 1-3 inches are possible with locally higher amounts. Severe weather not anticipated.

Nevada man injured in motorcycle crash

The Missouri State Highway Patrol responded to a Vernon County accident resulting in a Nevada man being injured.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the crash occurred around 3:26 p.m. Tuesday, October 29th on Highway BB, five miles south of Nevada, as a 2022 Chongqing Astronautic Bashan Motorcycle, driven by 56-year-old Andrew J. Miller of Nevada, traveled off the right side of the roadway and overturned.

Following the accident Mr. Miller was transported by Air Medical to Cox South Hospital in Springfield, Missouri for treatment from serious injuries. 

View crash report below:

https://www.mshp.dps.missouri.gov/HP68/AccidentDetailsAction?ACC_RPT_NUM=240549503

Osage Valley Electric Cooperative Power Outage

Osage Valley Electric Cooperative members around the Freeman and Archie areas are experiencing an outage at this time due to high winds. Crews have been dispatched. Power will be restored as quickly and as safely as possible. 

As the storm pushes through be mindful of your surroundings. Under no circumstances should you approach downed lines or broken poles. 

To report an outage call 660-679-3131 or use the SmartHub app.

Butler Chamber Yard of the Month

BRAND NEW

The Chamber is now presenting a BUSINESS FRONT/YARD of the MONTH in addition to the yard of the month! 

For the monty of October we would like to recognize the office of Kellie Davidson. Kellie always keeps a nice storefront, but she really cuaght our attnetion with her decorating for the BHS Homecoming! 

Kellie tells the Chamber, "Our current State Farm office was built in 2016.  Prior to this we were located on the south side of the square.  We gave an amazing team!  

Our team consists of agent, Kellie Davidson, who is in her 11th year with State Farm; Katie Pippin, account representative, who is in her 5th year with State Farm; Baylie Pitts, customer service representative, who is in her 3rd year with State Farm; and Jordan Miller, account representative who is in her 1st year with State Farm.  

State Farm provides home, farm, auto, boat, motorcycle, life and health insurance along with banking and financial services.  We love being.  a part of our community and serving our clients."

From the Belton Police Department

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Belton Police Department, unwavering in its commitment to public safety, continues to diligently combat crime and gun violence in the KC Metro. 

In a significant call for service in the early morning hours of 10/19/2024, the Belton Police Department recovered eight pistols from a KC Juvenile.  

Just before 5:00 a.m., on October 19th, officers were dispatched to 163rd and Speaker Ave. on a suspicious activity call. 

A citizen reported seeing a subject checking several vehicles' door handles then enter a black Kia SUV. Officers arrived and located a matching car parked unattended but still running. Seconds later, an officer nearby alerted others via radio a male subject wearing a ski mask and carrying a flashlight was fleeing from him. 

After a small foot chase, officers captured and detained the male subject, who officers learned was only 17 years of age. A computer check revealed that the Kia SUV was stolen from Blue Springs. Searching the subject's path resulted in locating a Glock pistol with an extended magazine. 

A gold block device was affixed to the rear of the slide, where typically the slide ends. Officers are trained to recognize this as a "Glock Switch" (a machine gun conversion device). During a tow inventory of the Kia SUV, officers located a live ammunition round under the passenger seat and a backpack on the seat containing seven additional handguns. All eight guns were recovered in total. We cannot release any further details of this case, including the name, due to the age of the juvenile detained.

Our officers' prompt response and investigation aided in connecting multiple crimes and getting stolen property returned to owners, including victims outside of our city. This is a testament to our unwavering dedication to providing our community with the highest standards of public safety, ensuring that our residents can feel reassured and secure.

Enhanced Security Measures at Henry County Courthouse

October 30, 2024

Enhanced Security Measures at Henry County Courthouse

Sheriff Aaron Brown is pleased to announce the implementation of new security protocols at the Henry County Courthouse. These enhancements include designating the west entrance as the only public entry point, where deputies will be stationed during all business hours.

This security upgrade, part of a comprehensive plan presented and approved by the County Commissioners, is funded by the 27th Circuit Court under the leadership of Presiding Circuit Judge Brandon Baker. It includes the addition of a third full-time bailiff position to oversee the new security checkpoint. All officeholders played an instrumental role in developing these measures, reflecting a unified commitment to the safety and security of our courthouse. 

These deputies will be stationed at the west entrance and throughout the courthouse to monitor incoming visitors and ensure a safe environment for all individuals conducting business within the courthouse, including judiciary staff, county officials, and public visitors.

We understand that security measures can sometimes feel restrictive, so we’ve worked hard to strike a balance that keeps everyone safe while minimizing disruptions. The new checkpoint will include thorough screening measures, such as metal detectors. Please remember that certain items will not be allowed inside the courthouse. Visitors are asked to leave items such as pocket knives, pepper spray, firearms, and any other weapons or hazardous items in their vehicles or at home.

We greatly appreciate the public’s understanding and cooperation as we implement these improvements and remain committed to maintaining a safe, secure, and welcoming environment for everyone who visits the courthouse.

Meet Our Courthouse Security Team

We invite you to meet our dedicated security team, whose service and commitment help protect our courthouse and community every day:

• Sgt. Aaron Richardson has 12 years with the Sheriff’s Office, including 8 years as a road supervisor. He’s been supervising courthouse security for the last 2 years and has deep roots in our community.

• Deputy Todd Romi is a U.S. Navy veteran with 14 years of law enforcement experience, including 10 years as part of the courthouse security team.

• Deputy James Saulters served in the U.S. Army from 2012-2019 and is a Clinton, MO native with approximately 6 years in law enforcement.

These deputies are trained to respond quickly to any potential incidents, ensuring that the courthouse remains a safe and orderly environment.

We understand that safety is a shared priority, and we’re grateful for the public’s cooperation as we implement these improvements.

Sheriff Aaron N. Brown

Henry County Sheriff's Office

Obituary - Karen Marie Rhodes

Karen Marie Rhodes, age 80, of Raymore, Missouri, passed away unexpectedly at home on Tuesday, October 22, 2024.

Services will be held on Friday, November 8, 2024 at St. Sabina Catholic Parish, 700 Trevis Ave., Belton, Missouri 64012. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. followed by a Memorial Mass at 11:00 a.m.

Karen was born in Kansas City, Kansas to Gene Storm and Frances Clara (Klein) Storm on June 30, 1944. In life Karen was blessed with one son, Jimmy. She was a woman of Catholic faith and was joined in marriage with her late husband Larry J. Rhodes. Karen loved watching the Kansas City Royals, playing solitaire, gardening, and spending time with her beloved grandchildren and great grandchildren as well as her dog, Chica. Karen was the most loving and caring person to all those around her. She would always tell her son, Jimmy, that he was her guardian angel, but Jimmy would tell you she was his.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents, Gene and Frances Storm; husband, Larry J. Rhodes; and six siblings, Billy Storm, Deloris Storm, Albert Storm, Judy Storm, Ruth Ann Taylor and Leo Storm.

She is survived by her loving son, Jimmy Rhodes (wife Beth Rhodes); four grandchildren, Kody, AJ, Kiana, and Addi Rhodes; four great grandchildren, Rylan, Cora, Axel, and Sutton; and three siblings, Jimmy Storm, Nancy Lading, and Mary Jane Storm.

Arrangements: Cullen Funeral Home, Raymore, Missouri 816.322.5278