Four jailed in Bernie drug bust

BERNIE, Mo. -- A weekend drug bust in Bernie resulted in four people behind bars.

According to Bernie Police Chief Justin Allen, the bust was a cooperative effort between the Bernie Police Department, the Stoddard County Sheriff's Office and the office of Stoddard County Prosecuting Attorney Russell Oliver.

On Saturday, June 7, the police department conducted an investigation into the distribution of illegal drugs within the community.

Howard

As a result of information obtained during the investigation, a confidential informant was sent to a residence at 104 Dayton St. in Bernie.

The informant visited the residence and is said to have purchased approximately 1.5 grams of crystal methamphetamine from 39-year-old Stephen R. Winkler. The informant reported to the authorities that Winkler had completed the transaction in the presence of his wife, Tina Johnson, and their three-year-old daughter.

As a result, Allen stated his department applied for a search warrant for the residence. In the early morning hours of June 8, 2014, officers from the Bernie Police Department and the Stoddard County Sheriff's Department executed the warrant.

Johnson

During the raid, officers seized between three and five grams of crystal methamphetamine along with numerous other items used for the consumption and distribution of methamphetamine.

"This is an ongoing investigation, and more arrests are expected," Allen said.

Four individuals were arrested in the bust. They have been identified as:

* Stephen R. Winkler, 39, of Bernie, was arrested and charged with the Class A felony of distribution of a controlled substance. His bond was set at $75,000 cash only.

* Tina L. Johnson, 40, of Bernie, was arrested and charged with the Class B felony of distribution of a controlled substance. Her bond was set at $25,000 cash only.

Winkler

* Zachary Thomas Howard, 33, of Bernie, was arrested and charged with the Class C felony of possession of a controlled substance (except 35 grams or less of marijuana.) His bond was set at $25,000 cash only.

* Kaitlynn M. R. Dean, 17, of Bernie, was arrested and charged with possession of up to 35 grams of marijuana. Her bond was set at $5,000, with 10 percent cash or surety allowed.

All four subjects are expected to appear in court for arraignment on Thursday, June 12, before Judge Joe Z. Satterfield.