Suspicious vehicle complaint leads to drug trafficking arrests at Benton campground

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

BENTON, Mo., (KBSI) — A report of a suspicious vehicle at a Benton-area campground led to the arrest of three people on outstanding warrants and new drug trafficking charges, according to the Scott County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies responded at about 1:28 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12, to the General Watkins Conservation Area campground off Park Road. Deputies and investigators made contact with two men and one woman at the scene.

Authorities said all three individuals were found to have active warrants out of Ste. Genevieve County for failure to appear on drug-related charges. They were taken into custody without incident.

During a subsequent search, deputies located suspected fentanyl and drug-related items. As a result, all three suspects face additional charges of second-degree drug trafficking and possession of drug paraphernalia. Investigators said two of the individuals also provided false identifying information to law enforcement, leading to additional charges.

All three were transported to the Scott County Jail, where they remain in custody pending formal charges on the new offenses.

Sheriff Derick Wheetley said further investigation revealed the suspects have extensive criminal histories spanning multiple states.

“The discovery of fentanyl underscores the very real danger these drugs pose to our communities,” Wheetley said. “Public involvement and proactive policing are critical. When you see something, say something. Your information helps us keep Scott County safe.”

Those arrested were identified as:

Christopher S. Gibson, 42, of Herrin, Illinois, wanted on a failure-to-appear warrant out of Ste. Genevieve County. He faces new charges of second-degree drug trafficking involving fentanyl and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Isaiah G. Gibson, 22, of Malden, Missouri, wanted on a felony failure-to-appear warrant out of Ste. Genevieve County. He faces new charges of second-degree drug trafficking involving fentanyl, possession of drug paraphernalia and providing false information to law enforcement.

Misty D. Maze, 25, of Herrin, Illinois, wanted on multiple failure-to-appear warrants out of Ste. Genevieve County, including for possession of a controlled substance. She faces new charges of second-degree drug trafficking involving fentanyl, possession of drug paraphernalia and providing false information to law enforcement.

The Scott County Sheriff’s Office said the investigation remains ongoing.