Stoddard County Prosecutor puts aggressive focus on drug-related crimes

STODDARD COUNTY, Mo. (KBSI) – The Stoddard County Prosecuting Attorney’s office has signaled an aggressive focus on drug related offenses.

Stoddard County’s Prosecuting Attorney Sawyer Smith sheds light on why they are taking this approach.  

“We’re setting a standard not only in Southeast Missouri but Missouri” says Smith. “I believe people here find themselves with harsher sentences for trafficking fentanyl and dangerous narcotics than maybe they do anywhere else.” 

They have close to a no tolerance policy for drug related offenses in Stoddard County meaning that harsher and longer punishments could be given if convicted in the county. This in large part to do with community safety and an attempt to lower overdoses and drug related activities throughout the Stoddard County area.  

“We are literally saving lives in the process of prosecuting these crimes” says Smith. “The Stoddard County Coroner says that while overdoses are increasing throughout the nation they are declining in Stoddard County.” 

Smith shares that they’re agency partners with both state and local law enforcement to pursue drug networks vigorously. He shares that drug related offenses are often linked to violent crimes.

“We see a lot of meth use overlap with violent crimes such as domestic assault even sex crimes, property crimes and so I think attacking the root cause of drug abuse and drug distribution in our county will solve a lot of problems” says Smith.

Smith shares that although they are leading by example with harsher punishments, they do treat drug cases case by case.

Someone who’s struggling with addiction and needing help with addiction might not receive the same as someone trafficking drugs or repeatedly offending in drug related activities. 

“I’d like people to know that in cases or personal use and addiction crimes such as controlled substance where someone’s not facilitating those drugs but are just struggling with addiction, I take a very ethical and compassionate approach to those cases” says Smith. “I want to get people the help they need. We send a lot of people to rehabilitation and treatment programs such as John 3:16 ministries, Breaking Bonds Ministries and Stoddard County treatment core program.” 

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction Alcohol & Drug Addiction Hotlines | 24/7 Rehab Helplines or call the hotline to be connected to resources (866) 343-4521