Possession Arrest 01092026
Press Release
For Immediate Release
Subject: Traffic Stop Arrest
Date: January 14, 2026
Incident Details:
Arrested Individual: Keith A. Murphy, age 37, of La Belle, Missouri
Arrest Date: January 9, 2026
Arrest Location: La Belle, Missouri
Arrest Agency: Lewis County Sheriff's Office
Charge: Possession of Methamphetamine and Driving without Valid License.
Incident Background:
Date of Incident: January 9, 2026
Location: La Belle, Missouri
Time: 11:00 p.m.
Details: On January 9, 2026, a Lewis County Sheriff's Office deputy was on patrol in L Belle, Missouri and observed a vehicle driving in reverse on 8th Street and State Street. He then stopped the vehicle and made contact with the driver, Keith A. Murphy. Upon further investigation the deputy discovered Murphy did not have a valid driver's license and had at least two previous convictions for driving without a license. The deputy also discovered methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia in the vehicle.
Deputy Steve Battaglia arrested Mr. Murphy and placed him in the Lewis County Jail. He then sought formal charges for the driving offense and for possession of controlled substances.
On January 10, 2026, Lewis County Prosecutor Chelsea Fellinger filed formal charges alleging Mr. Murphy had committed the class E felony of driving without a valid license, and the class D felony of possession of controlled substance, (methamphetamine), and the class A misdemeanor of unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia.
On January 10, 2026, the Honorable Corey Moon, Associate Judge of Lewis County, issued a warrant for Mr. Murphy and set bond at $10,000.00.
He remains lodged in the Lewis County Jail.
"All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law."
Contact Information:
Lewis County Sheriff's Office
Phone: 573-767-5287
Website: Leave an anonymous tip at lewiscosheriff.org
