Assault Rifle, Large Amounts of Meth and Marijuana Confiscated After Traffic Stop on Highway 15

By Marlana Smith and Echo Menges

Police confiscated nearly one-quarter-pound (over 100 grams) of methamphetamine, nearly one-quarter-pound (over 100 grams) of marijuana, an assault rifle with three magazines and hundreds of rounds of ammunition during a traffic stop at the Sinclair Express gas station State Highway 15 in Shelbina.

A Lakenan, MO, couple was arrested following a routine traffic stop on Saturday, November 10, at approximately 9:30 1p.m., after a Shelbina Police Officer noticed a headlight on the vehicle was not working. When the officer made contact with the occupants, driver Shannon R. McQuitty, 44, who was known by the officer from previous contact and believed to be driving without a license, and passenger Kelli C. McQuitty, 39, the officer allegedly smelled marijuana coming from the vehicle, according to court documents.

The officer asked Kelli McQuitty to get out of the vehicle.

As she exited the vehicle, the officer allegedly saw an assault rifle with a large magazine inserted and two more magazines laying on the floor of the vehicle.

Driver Shannon McQuitty allegedly exited the vehicle, a Pontiac Grand Prix, and was told by the officer the vehicle would be searched. Shannon McQuitty allegedly became belligerent and attempted to go back to his vehicle. After being ordered to place his hands behind his back several times by the officer, the driver eventually complied under threats of being tazed.

Deputies from the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office arrived on the scene to assist with the traffic stop and search of the vehicle.

During the search, 111 grams of meth, 128 grams of marijuana, 10 prescription pills, five syringes, and three digital scales were allegedly found.

The drugs were allegedly separated into several baggies containing various amounts.

The McQuitty’s were taken to Shelby County Jail and placed on a 24-hour hold pending formal charges.

Kelli McQuitty has been formally charged by the Shelby County Prosecutor Jordan Force.

Preliminary charges, according to information released by Shelbina Police Chief Jerry Fenton, are listed below.

Shannon McQuitty

• possess controlled substance except 35 grams, felony Class D
• trafficking 1^st degree, felony Class A
• possession of firearm unlawful for certain, felony Class D
• unlawful use of weapon – subsection 11 – possession, felony Class E
• driving while revoked/suspended – 2^nd or sub, misdemeanor Class A
• unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia, misdemeanor Class A
• failed to have two lighted headlamps
• delivery of controlled substance except 35 grams, felony Class C
• possess controlled substance except 35 grams, felony Class D
• unlawful use of weapon – subsection 11 – possession, felony Class E
• possession of firearm, felony Class D
• driving while revoked/suspended, misdemeanor class A
• fail have two lighted headlamps
• resisting/interfering with arrest for a felony, felony Class E
• resisting/interfering with arrest for a felony, felony Class E
• possess controlled substance except 35 grams, felony Class D
• possess controlled substance except 35 grams, felony Class D
• possession of firearm, felony Class D
• resisting/interfering with arrest for a felony, felony Class E

 

 

Kelli McQuitty

• trafficking 1^st degree, felony Class A
• possess controlled substance except 35 grams, felony Class D
• unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia, misdemeanor Class A
• unlawful use of weapon – subsection 11 – possession, felony Class E
• delivery of controlled substance except 35 grams, felony Class C
• possess controlled substance except 35 grams, felony Class D
• unlawful use of weapon – section 11 – possession, felony Class E
• unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia, misdemeanor Class D
• possess controlled substance 35 grams, felony Class D
• possess controlled substance 35 grams, felony Class D
• unlawful use of weapon – subsection 11 – possession, felony Class E

Both are being held in the Shelby County Jail. Shannon McQuitty’s cash only bond amount was increased from $25,000 to $100,000, after he allegedly made phone statements about his desire to shoot a law enforcement officer in the face.

Kelli McQuitty is being held on a $20,000 cash only bond.

They are scheduled to appear in court on Friday, November 30, before Shelby County Associate Circuit Judge Mike Greenwell.

All defendants presumed innocent until unless being proven guilty in court.