Monty Pruett, 57, of Steelville was arrested on March 21 at his residence in the 100 block of Birds Nest Road. Pruett is charged with allegations of delivery of a controlled substance, a class C felony, possession of a controlled substance, a class D felony and unlawful possession of a firearm, a class C felony.

Pruett was taken into custody and is currently being held on a no-bond warrant at the Crawford County Adult Detention Facility pending formal charges. 

A confined docket hearing was scheduled March 30 and no new information was printed before the Steelville Star-Crawford Mirror’s deadline. A counsel status hearing is scheduled for May 7.

According to a probable cause statement, the Lake Area Narcotics Enforcement Group and the Steelville Police Department conducted a warrant search March 21 at Pruett’s residence.

“After being advised of his rights, Pruett advised he did not wish to answer any questions, however he stated all controlled substances located inside the residence were his, and he would cooperate with the investigation,” the report reads.

Pruett allegedly pointed officers to where he kept 77 fentanyl capsules (about five grams), and told them he does not use it, but he does sell it. A field test confirmed that the capsules contained fentanyl.

He also showed officers where he kept his handgun. Several syringes and a film of Suboxone (a prescription medication used to treat opioid use disorder) were also found. Pruett said he did not have a prescription for Suboxone.

Prosecuting Attorney David Smith filed a felony complaint alleging that Pruett is a prior and persistent drug offender. Pruett has previously been convicted of possession of a controlled substance six times between 2010 and 2017. He has also been convicted of driving without a valid license three times and forgery twice.

Because of his prior drug offenses, Pruett could face elevated charges. Delivery of a controlled substance, normally a class C felony, is raised to a class A felony due to his history. This charge is punishable by 10 years to life in prison. 

Possession of a controlled substance, normally a class D felony, is raised to a class B felony. This charge is punishable by five to 15 years in prison. 

The class C felony of unlawful possession of a firearm is punishable by three to 10 years in prison, and/or a fine of $10,000 or less.