Drug Task Force Arrests Suspect, Seizes Meth and Pills in Independence County Investigation

BATESVILLE — A six-month investigation by the 16th Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney’s Drug Task Force led to the arrest of an Independence County woman and the seizure of methamphetamine and prescription pills, officials announced Monday.

Authorities said the Drug Task Force, working with the Independence County Sheriff’s Office, investigated Donna Shipman for suspected distribution of methamphetamine. Through a series of controlled buys and surveillance operations, investigators gathered evidence of drug trafficking activity.

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On Oct. 28, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Shipman’s residence, where they reported finding:

• 26.9 grams of methamphetamine

• 11 Clonazepam pills (2.2 grams total)

• 14 Diazepam pills (1.8 grams total)

Formal charges were filed with the 16th Judicial District Prosecutor’s Office, including:

• Three counts of delivery of methamphetamine less than two grams (Class C felonies)

• One count of maintaining a drug premises (Class C felony)

• One count of possession of methamphetamine greater than 10 grams but less than 200 grams (Class A felony)

• Two counts of possession of a Schedule IV controlled substance with purpose to deliver (Class C felonies)

Prosecuting Attorney Drew Smith credited the collaboration between local law enforcement and the Drug Task Force for the successful operation.

“All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law,” the release stated.