Two arrested in meth bust in rural Boone County

COLUMBIA — Two Columbia residents were arrested late Friday morning when components of a methamphetamine lab, along with cooked meth, were discovered at a rural Boone County home.

Shortly after 10 a.m., members of the Boone County Sheriff’s Department searched the house, located at 4800 W. Chapel Drive, and found remnants of prior meth cooks, marijuana, evidence of an indoor marijuana growing operation, illegal firearms, ammunition, and paraphernalia associated with the use and production of meth.

Kenneth J. Braman, 50, was arrested on one count of manufacturing a controlled substance and on one count of possession of prohibited weapons. Patricia R. Dixon, 42, the owner of the house, was arrested on one count of possession of a controlled substance.

Detective Britt Shea said the scene was typical and components of the lab were scattered throughout the residence. He also said that Braman and Dixon have a history with law enforcement.

Braman was arrested and pled guilty to possession of a controlled substance in May of 2006. He was sentenced to four years in prison but was out on probation at the time of the arrest.

Neighbor James Shoemate, who lives next door, said he was not home at the time of the arrests. But he said he wasn’t too surprised find out illegal activity was going on at the house.

“I figured something was going on,” Shoemate said. “There was always a lot of traffic going up and down the road at different hours of the day.”

Shoemate also said he had met Braman or Dixon, but only in passing.

“I would see them when I would go out to the mailbox,” Shoemate said. “They always waved and said hello. They seemed like normal, everyday people.”