OZARK COUNTY, Mo. — Deputies with the Ozark County Sheriff’s Office reported a busy late November and December, responding to dozens of calls for service while also making multiple arrests tied to warrants, drug investigations, and traffic stops.
Weekly Activity Report
For the week ending Dec. 26, deputies responded to 51 calls for service, including two domestic disturbance calls, according to the department’s weekly activity report. During that time, deputies made three misdemeanor arrests and one felony arrest, assisted with or investigated seven traffic accidents, and completed 13 incident reports.
In addition to patrol activity, one deputy completed 16 hours of field training as part of ongoing professional development.
At the Ozark County Detention Center, 11 inmates were booked, eight were released, and the facility ended the week with a total population of 39 inmates.
The Sheriff’s Office also reminded motorists that the National Winter DWI Mobilization remains underway through Jan. 1. As part of the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over high-visibility enforcement campaign, drivers may encounter increased law enforcement presence on county roadways during the holiday season.
Recent Arrest Activity
In addition to routine calls and enforcement, deputies reported several arrests connected to ongoing investigations and warrant services:
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Steve Caldwell was involved in two separate incidents in November and December. According to the Sheriff’s Office, a felony warrant was issued for Caldwell on Nov. 19, five days after his release from jail, alleging he failed to comply with a judge’s orders. He was arrested and booked into the Ozark County Jail.
On Dec. 12, deputies obtained and served a search warrant at Caldwell’s residence in Gainesville. Members of the Ozark County Sheriff’s Office Special Enforcement Team (SET) reportedly located methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia at the residence. Caldwell was arrested again and booked into jail.
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On Nov. 21, deputies conducted a traffic stop in Gainesville after K9 Karo alerted to the possible presence of narcotics. A search of the vehicle reportedly resulted in the discovery of methamphetamine and a firearm.
The driver, Richard Davidson, and a passenger, Amy Graham, were arrested and booked into the Ozark County Jail on charges of possession of methamphetamine and possession of a firearm. Davidson was also charged with driving on a revoked driver’s license. Authorities noted Davidson was out on bond in an unrelated Arkansas case at the time of the arrest.
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A reported burglary call in the Dora area on Nov. 26 led to the arrest of Dustin Souder, who authorities said was on probation and had an active felony warrant at the time. Deputies reported Souder was also found in possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.
The reporting party declined to pursue prosecution related to the suspected burglary. Souder was arrested on the felony warrant and drug-related charges and booked into the Ozark County Jail.
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On Nov. 28, deputies arrested Christopher McKee in the Caulfield area while serving an active felony warrant. McKee was taken into custody without incident and booked into the Ozark County Jail.
All charges listed are accusations. Each individual is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
