Arrest sought of Scott City candidate

Christopher Lee Klughart is running for the Ward 4 seat on the Scott City Council. He's also wanted by the Scott County Sheriff's Department.

An arrest warrant has been issued for the 26-year-old Klughart on suspicion of attempting to manufacture methamphetamine, a class B felony; possession of drug paraphernalia with intent to manufacture methamphetamine, a class A misdemeanor; possession of ephedrine with intent to manufacture methamphetamine, a class D felony; possession of chemicals with intent to manufacture methamphetamine, a class C felony; and possession of drug paraphernalia, a class A misdemeanor.

The warrant was issued on March 16, but Klughart has not been arrested. Sheriff Rick Walter says it's a matter of priorities.

"I come into the office, and there are 1,800 warrants on my desk," Walter said. "But we ask every day if anybody's seen him."

A search warrant was executed on Klughart's property at 130 11th St. in Scott City on March 13 after a tip led police to suspect a methamphetamine lab.

"There was some stuff being burned at his residence, and it gave off a strange odor," said Lt. Jerry Bledsoe with the sheriff's department. He said the investigating officer noticed a chemical odor when he arrived.

The officer, Bobby Penrod, was able to obtain a search warrant, but Klughart, who was at the residence, left before the warrant could be executed. The police haven't seen him since, but Walter said he doesn't suspect Klughart is on the run.

According to a probable cause affidavit, during the search Penrod found coffee filters containing a white powder that field-tested positive for ephedrine, a bowl and dipper with the same white powder, scales, plastic baggies, receipts for purchase of items associated with making the drug, burnt pieces of foil and ends of tubing that can be used in the manufacturing process.

Ephedrine is used to make meth, and foil can be used to smoke it.

An arrest in the case should be coming soon, Walter said.

"He's definitely someone I've been looking at."

Klughart's name remains on the ballot in Scott City for the April 5 election. He can run for elected office unless he has been convicted of a felony and is still under the terms of the sentence. He was convicted of class D felony insurance fraud in 1997 and of felony stealing and felony burning that same year but has already completed those sentences.

If he were to be elected and then found guilty, Klughart would be forced to step down from the post.

His opponent in the race, incumbent Ron Worl, didn't want to comment on the development, saying he would rather leave personal matters out of it.

Scott City Mayor Tim Porch said he has no problem with Klughart running.

"If it's a legal issue, and he can run for office, then so be it, and good luck to him," Porch said. "As long as he's served his time and it's legal in the state of Missouri, let him run. That's the democratic way."

Calls to Klughart were not been returned, but a family member did confirm on Thursday afternoon that he was still seeking the council seat.

msanders@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 182