Four arrested in Texas County for attempted drug trafficking
TEXAS COUNTY, Mo. — Four individuals from Texas County were arrested on Tuesday, August 12, following an investigation by the South Central Drug Task Force. According to online court documents, Michael Skouby, Skye Marler, Taylor Owens and John Paulson were all charged with first-degree attempted trafficking of drugs over statutory amount, first-degree attempted trafficking of [...]
TEXAS COUNTY, Mo. — Four individuals from Texas County were arrested on Tuesday, August 12, following an investigation by the South Central Drug Task Force.
According to online court documents, Michael Skouby, Skye Marler, Taylor Owens and John Paulson were all charged with first-degree attempted trafficking of drugs over statutory amount, first-degree attempted trafficking of drugs and tampering with physical evidence in a felony prosecution.
The probable cause statement says that the South Central Drug Task Force discovered that one of the suspect's vehicle was identified as being involved in trafficking methamphetamine and fentanyl.
Law enforcement discovered that a 2007 Pontiac G6 with Missouri registration had left a residence in Texas County and traveled to St. Louis on the same day, through surveillance.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) conducted a traffic stop near the intersection of Highway CC and Shafer Road. Law enforcement initiated the stop following a records check indicating the owner of the vehicle had an active felony warrant for parole violation.
The vehicle began to accelerate, and a pursuit was initiated. Officers stopped the vehicle one-half mile south of Arnott Road on Shafer Road using tire deflation devices.
Law enforcement detained the four individuals inside the vehicle, the statement says.
A search of the vehicle showed fentanyl capsules and crystalline substances scattered all around in plain view. Law enforcement found that similar items were thrown outside on both sides of Shafer Road.
Skouby, 44, of Licking, and Paulson, 66, of Licking, told law enforcement that they had gone to St. Louis to purchase fentanyl and methamphetamine.
Two of the passengers told law enforcement that Marler, 25, of Licking, was "likely throwing methamphetamine and fentanyl out her window" when MSHP tried to make the traffic stop, the statement says.
A Texas County Sheriff social media post says that 40 grams of methamphetamine and over 100 capsules of fentanyl were found in the vehicle.
Skouby, Paulson and Owens, 25, of Houston, are currently in the Texas County Jail.
Marler is currently in the Missouri Department of Corrections.
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