On August 27, 2025, at approximately 2:17 a.m., Howell County Sheriff’s Office Corporal Travis Weaver initiated a traffic stop on a silver Ford Focus on U.S. Highway 63 near the South Junction in Willow Springs. The driver, identified as Amelei Grace Gibson 20, of Springfield, immediately informed Corporal Weaver that she did not have a valid driver’s license. Additional occupants were identified with the assistance of Deputy Stolba. During the initial contact, Corporal Weaver detected a strong odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle.
After obtaining consent to search the vehicle, deputies instructed the occupants to exit. The front seat passenger, Denisha Lache Skinner 20, of Springfield, attempted to conceal items before exiting the vehicle. A search of the vehicle revealed a small bag of suspected cocaine in the passenger seat and a larger bag containing a significant quantity of white powder in a purse on the floorboard.
Interviews with the occupants revealed inconsistent statements regarding their travel to and from Florida. During the search, deputies recovered additional cocaine packaged for distribution, a digital scale, marijuana, and a 9mm handgun. In total, deputies seized approximately 95.11 grams (3.35 ounces) of cocaine, marijuana, drug paraphernalia, a firearm, and U.S. currency connected to sales of narcotics.
The narcotics field-tested positive for cocaine and have been submitted to the Missouri State Highway Patrol Crime Laboratory for further analysis.
The two additional passengers were released at the scene. Gibson and Skinner were arrested and transported to the Howell County Jail. They were later charged with Delivery of a Controlled Substance, a Class C Felony. Gibson also faces a charge of Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, a Class E felony. Both suspects were released after posting a $50,000 bond.
Advertisement
