VIENNA — Maries County Sheriff Chris Heitman reports recent criminal activity in the county has “been quiet.”

People are at home and this makes it harder for people to steal.

As of last Friday, there were only five people in the Maries County Jail. Sheriff Heitman said these are people who the judge deems to be a threat to the community or others, or a flight risk.

He said as people stay home, there are less people on the road. He’s warned some about driving too fast and earlier in the week stopped and warned an individual who was driving 88 mph on Highway 63.

Deputy Lt. Scott John is serving in an important role right now during the coronavirus pandemic as he is the county’s emergency management director. Sheriff Heitman said Lt. John is keeping on top of the situation, and is in contact with several agencies as he monitors the virus in Maries County. He is documenting everything. The sheriff said Lt. John takes care of this and does not need his supervision.

Sheriff’s deputies are taking a lot of precautions as warranted by the CDC. They are doing a lot of hand washing and using hand sanitizer. The sheriff’s office received a donation of hand sanitizer from a distillery and the sheriff said they are “using it like crazy.”

The department received 50 face masks from SEMA that were later recalled. They also received gloves.

In an effort to bring something positive and reassuring to the communities, last Saturday the sheriff and Belle Mayor Josh Seaver brought local singers to both Belle and Vienna. They stopped at several places and with the help of a microphone apparatus in the back of his truck, Susie Moman and Kaylee Hance sang to the people of the communities from the vehicle. The sheriff said it was good to see the people come out of their homes and stand together as families and listen to the singing. He may do this again. “It makes me glad we live in the country,” he said.

As of last Friday, there were five people in the Maries County Jail: Travis Sloan, 28, Belle, on April 17 was served with a warrant for fail to abide order and was in the Maries County Jail. On April 13, 2020 he was charged with the class D felony of second degree domestic assault, the class D felony of possession of a controlled substance, and the misdemeanor of unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia. His preliminary hearing is set for June 23.

Laurie Pierce, 58, Vienna, was served a warrant issued on April 14. She is charged with two counts of the class D felony of possession of a controlled substance, misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of marijuanna. Her preliminary hearing is schedule for June 9.

Jeremy Gene Rector, 36, Dixon, was served a warrant on April 15 and was in the county jail last Friday. His bond hearing was continued to May 19. He is charged with the class B felony of first degree trafficking drugs or attempt, class D felony of possession of a controlled substance, and the misdemeanors of driving while revoked/suspended, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, and owner operated motor vehicle without maintaining financial responsibility.

Brittanie Dawn Lacey, 33, Dixon, was served a warrant on April 13 and was in the county jail. An order of furlough was made on April 16. Her preliminary hearing is scheduled for May 19. She is charged with the class D felony of possession of a controlled substance, and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia.

Ashley Wright, 28, Belle, was served a warrant on April 13 and she was in the county jail. Her preliminary hearing is set for June 23. She is charged with the class D felony of possession of a controlled substance and the misdemeanor of unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia.