Several Iolans have been caught up in an eight-month investigation that led to several arrests across southeast Kansas Wednesday.
The Kansas Bureau of Investigation announced the arrests as part of “Operation Spring Cleaning” involving KBI, the Allen County Sheriff’s Department, Chanute Police Department, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department, Kansas Highway Patrol and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.
Warrants were issued related to the distribution of methamphetamine and possession of other controlled substances, according to the KBI press release.
The suspects were taken the Allen County and Neosho County jails pending formal charges by either Allen or Neosho county attorneys.
Ellen Fisher, 34, and Quinton Obermiller, 30, both of Iola, were arrested for suspected distribution of methamphetamine.
Arrests also are pending for Iolan Kevin Pratt for two counts of distributing methamphetamine within 1,000 feet of a school and Iolan Jessica Rogers, for distributing methamphetamine.
During one of the arrests Wednesday, officers discovered what they suspected may have been suspicious explosive devices, prompting ATF and KHP Hazardous Device Unit to be called to assist with removing the devices.
Others arrested:
• Shadow McKinney, 28, Chanute, (two counts) distribution of methamphetamine within 1,000feet of a school, and distribution of methamphetamine.
• Kerry Wilson, 41, Chanute, (six counts) distribution of methamphetamine within 1,000feet of a school.
• Anna Stockenbrand, 31, Chanute, (two counts) distribution of methamphetamine within 1,000 feet of a school
• Deedra Bright, 36, Cherryvale, distribution of methamphetamine.
• Gina Perez, 37, Chanute, (two counts) distribution of methamphetamine within 1,000 feet of a school.
• Michael Naff, 35, Chanute, (two counts) Distribution of methamphetamine within 1,000 feet of a school.
• Markus K. Steeves, 47, Chanute, (two counts) Distribution of methamphetamine within 1,000feet of school property, Criminal use of an explosive.
