(Ava, Mo.) A coordinated narcotics investigation in Douglas County has led to the arrest of two Ava residents and the seizure of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia, according to a release from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office.
On Monday, August 4, 2025, officers from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Ava Police Department, and the COMET Drug Task Force carried out a covert operation that included a traffic stop and the execution of two residential search warrants. The investigation resulted in the arrest of 57-year-old Michael W. Johnson and 36-year-old Andrew Huffman.
Johnson, a parolee who had been released from the Missouri Department of Corrections just five days earlier on July 30, was charged with two counts of possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine). Authorities report that Johnson is a habitual offender with a criminal history that includes 24 prior arrests. No bond has been set in his case. He also faces a potential 10-year sentence from a 2018 drug conviction in Douglas County.
Huffman was charged with possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine) and driving while revoked. His bond was set at $1,500 cash only.
Sheriff Chris Degase credited the success of the operation to the collaboration between local law enforcement agencies and the regional drug task force.
“This is an example of what can be accomplished when agencies work together toward a common goal of keeping dangerous drugs off our streets,” Degase said.
The investigation remains ongoing.
