Five arrested for drugs in Moniteau County

Five people were arrested Sunday and Monday following three drug-related investigations in Moniteau County.

Deputies conducted a traffic stop Monday in California, according to sheriff's reports. The driver, Artenze Lay, 51, of California, was nervous and was driving with no headlights. Deputies conducted a search of the vehicle and recovered methamphetamine, scales and a firearm. Lay was taken into custody and charged with possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, possession of a controlled substance inside a jail facility and unlawful use of a weapon. Her bond was set at $25,000.

Deputies received a separate report Monday of suspicious activity on Moniteau County Drive. While going to the call, deputies were notified the suspect vehicle had left the area and was heading back toward California. Deputies notified California police to stop the vehicle. The driver, Jacob Murphy, 34, of California, had an outstanding warrant for his arrest from Missouri Probation and Parole with no bond and was taken into custody. Deputies conducted a search of the vehicle and seized methamphetamine. Two passengers, Jeffrey Gabert, 50, of California, and William Miller, 55, of California, were taken into custody and charged with possession of a controlled substance. As of Tuesday, Murphy was being held without bond, and Gabert and Miller were each held on $25,000 bond.

Also Monday, deputies made contact with a David Zarn, 31, of California, who was camping in the Smith Creek area of Moniteau County. Deputies learned Zarn had an outstanding warrant for his arrest out of Moniteau County for failure to appear in court, and they later discovered Zarn was in possession of methamphetamine. As of Tuesday, he was being held on $25,000 bond.