Drug and Crime Trends
Community Safety: Drug Abuse & Cybercrime Awareness
The Lewis County Sheriff's Office remains committed to protecting our community not only through enforcement, but also through education and prevention. Two issues that continue to affect residents throughout Lewis County are drug abuse and financial scams and cybercrime.
Prescription Drug Abuse
Prescription medications can be extremely beneficial when taken as directed by a licensed medical professional. However, medications such as prescription painkillers and certain stimulants can become dangerous when misused, shared, sold, or taken in a manner other than prescribed.
Prescription drug abuse can lead to addiction, serious health problems, impaired judgment, financial hardship, damaged relationships, and criminal activity.
The Sheriff's Office continues to investigate violations involving the illegal possession, distribution, and misuse of controlled prescription medications. Education and responsible medication practices remain important parts of preventing these substances from reaching individuals for whom they were not prescribed.
Residents are encouraged to keep prescription medications secure and to properly dispose of medications that are no longer needed. The Lewis County Sheriff's Office has a Drug Take-Back bin located inside the lobby of our Sheriff's Office in Monticello and another bin located inside the Canton Police Department lobby in Canton. These are locations within Lewis County where you can dispose of medication safely to be destroyed.
Methamphetamine & Illegal Drugs
Methamphetamine continues to be one of the most destructive illegal drugs affecting communities across rural Missouri, including Lewis County.
Methamphetamine use can cause severe physical and mental health problems, addiction, impaired judgment, and dangerous behavior. Drug addiction can also contribute to other criminal activity, including theft, property crime, domestic disturbances, and violence.
The Lewis County Sheriff's Office will continue working with local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to identify individuals involved in the possession, manufacture, and distribution of illegal drugs.
We also recognize that enforcement alone cannot solve the problem. Prevention, education, treatment, and cooperation within our community all play an important role in reducing the damage caused by substance abuse.
Scams, Fraud & Cybercrime
Technology has made it easier than ever for criminals to target victims without ever setting foot in Lewis County. Residents may encounter scams through:
- Phone calls and text messages
- Email and social media
- Online marketplaces
- Fraudulent websites
- Fake invoices or payment requests
- Investment and cryptocurrency schemes
- Romance and impersonation scams
- Threats involving law enforcement, courts, taxes, or utility companies
- Scammers often create a false sense of urgency, fear, or trust to convince victims to act before they have time to think.
A legitimate government agency or law enforcement officer will not demand immediate payment through gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfers, or similar methods to avoid arrest.
Protect Yourself
Never provide passwords, Social Security numbers, banking information, credit card numbers, verification codes, or other sensitive information to someone whose identity you have not independently verified.
Be especially cautious when someone:
- Demands immediate payment
- Threatens arrest or legal action
- Claims you have unexpectedly won money or a prize
- Requests payment using gift cards or cryptocurrency
- Asks you to move money to a "safe" account
- Tells you not to speak with your bank, family, or law enforcement
- Pressures you to act immediately
- When something does not seem right, stop the conversation before sending money or providing information.
When in Doubt, Call Us
If you believe you or a family member may be the target of a scam, fraud scheme, or other suspicious activity, contact the Lewis County Sheriff's Office before sending money or providing personal information.
Our deputies would much rather help you verify whether something is legitimate beforehand than investigate a financial loss afterward.
