Search warrant leads to heroin distribution arrests

(COLUMBIA, MO) -

Columbia Police Detectives in the Vice Narcotics and Organized Crime Unit arrested Aaron Levi George, 24, Katrina Renee Gatewood, 30, Jake E. Lee, 24, and Alexander W. Melise, 45 last night after service of a search warrant at 3656 Aspen Heights Parkway.

Prior to service of the search warrant, detectives observed Katrina Gatewood and Alexander Melise approach the residence in a vehicle. Gatewood proceeded to enter the residence and was observed a short time later making contact with a separate vehicle that had arrived at the residence. Gatewood then re-entered the residence and exited with Aaron George. Both subjects entered the vehicle Melise was driving and began to leave the area. Detectives conducted a stop with the vehicle and detained all three individuals. A search of their persons located the following:

• One syringe in Melise's pocket
• One baggie of heroin in a purse seated next to Gatewood
• One  empty syringe and one syringe with liquid in a purse seated next to Gatewood
• 21 Clonazepam pills in a purse seated next to Gatewood
• Three (3) baggies of brown powder on George's person

The search warrant was served at 4:38 p.m. and the following was located inside the residence:

• Six (6) grams of heroin
• One baggie of methamphetamine
• Numerous baggies, syringes, and an electronic scale

The total amount of heroin that was recovered on George's person and in the residence is equivalent to approximately 80 doses for heroin users.

While detectives were searching the residence, Jake Lee approached the residence. Lee was in possession of one baggie of heroin and a syringe. Lee was arrested for Felony Possession of a Controlled Substance with a bond of $4,500.00 and Misdemeanor Possession of Drug Paraphernalia with a bond of $500.00.

Aaron George and Katrina Gatewood were both arrested for Distribution/Delivery/Manufacture/Produce of a Controlled Substance with a bond to be set by the Court. Alexander Melise was arrested for Misdemeanor Possession of Drug Paraphernalia with a bond of $500.00.

Aspen Heights management was aware of the investigation and provided continuing support and cooperation with the VNOC Unit. The management's proactive approach combined with the hard work from our detectives made these arrests possible and potentially saved up to 80 lives. 

2016-003343