VIENNA — Maries County Sheriff Chris Heitman said he is thankful that as the coronavirus pandemic heats up that there have been no major crimes committed in Maries County. However, he thinks law enforcement will see an increase in criminal activity because of the large number of nonviolent offenders that have been released from jails throughout the state because of the virus. In jail populations, physical distancing is next to impossible.

Last week, there were a total of 22 inmates in the Maries County Jail and this week there were six. Some of them bonded out and others were court-ordered to be released from jail by various judges.

This is because the Missouri Supreme Court sent a letter to state judges recently about rules governing the pre-trial release of people charged with crimes but not yet found guilty. Also about rules governing the release of people who have been found guilty and sentenced. The Supreme Court is leaving decisions about the release of particular individuals to the discretion of local judges.

This decision was met with approval by the State Public Defender’s office. Its director said people in county jails awaiting trial are presumed innocent, and that people serving time on misdemeanor charges should be released.

However, the Missouri Association of Prosecuting attorneys disagreed, saying it is unwarranted and that justice would not be served.

Sheriff Heitman said his office has stopped doing extraditions of all defendants but those charged with violent crimes and they’ve not done any since the virus. The sheriff’s office remains staffed.

Prosecuting Attorney Anthony “Tony” Skouby is working from home but has been “happy to do what we need.”

The sheriff said the deputies have reduced contact with other people somewhat and are not stopping motorists for violations such as expired tags. The department does not have as much of the personal protective gear he would like, but he hopes it is coming. Hospitals and fire departments will receive it first. The 911 Dispatch Center is staffed with two people and they are trained to ask questions about virus symptoms.

Sheriff Heitman said law enforcement work in Belle is going very well. The deputies are making good cases although they’ve not been making many drug arrests. The Belle City Council appears to be happy with their work and the people of Belle, too, seem to like the deputies and are treating them well.

His advice for citizens during this hard time of the pandemic is to stay home and keep your distance from other people. Also, he suggested people avoid using cash because it is handled by so many different people.