Police Call Alderman 'Armed Drug Dealer' After Arrest In Cocaine Sting

OSAGE BEACH, Mo. — An Osage Beach alderman is facing multiple felony charges after allegedly purchasing cocaine during an undercover drug investigation Tuesday.

On May 12, the Camden County Sheriff’s Office and Mid-Missouri Drug Task Force investigated 60-year-old Ward 1 Alderman Bob O’Steen, who has served on the Board of Aldermen for nearly a decade and was selected as board president last year.

According to a probable cause statement, an undercover cocaine sale was arranged with O’Steen around 4 p.m. Investigators allege he requested two “8-balls,” totaling roughly seven grams of cocaine.

After O’Steen reportedly failed to convince the undercover officer to come to his home, the two instead met in the officer’s vehicle, where authorities say O’Steen exchanged $500 cash for two bags of cocaine. He was later arrested, and the bags were recovered from his person.

The PC statement says O’Steen admitted to distributing cocaine after being read his Miranda rights, though he denied consent to search his residence.

Authorities later executed a search warrant at the home, where additional drugs were allegedly discovered, including amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. Investigators also reported finding nine firearms in a utility room, including a Winchester semi-automatic rifle, two Marlin firearms, a Stevens firearm with no visible serial number, two Ruger firearms, a Colt .32 pistol, a Jennings pistol, and a .38 caliber revolver.

O’Steen has been charged with four felonies: two counts of possession of a controlled substance, delivery of a controlled substance, and unlawful use of a weapon.

Lt. Kyle Towles, who conducted the investigation, stated in the probable cause statement that he believes O’Steen poses a danger to the community.

“O’Steen is a public elected official making decisions effecting all members of this community while selling cocaine, possessing pills, and while armed,” Towles wrote. “O’Steen is an armed drug dealer and a danger to the same community he swore to serve.”

A court hearing has not yet been scheduled. He is being held on a $250,000 bond.

In a statement, the City of Osage Beach said it is “aware of the charges filed against one its Aldermen” and will continue evaluating the facts as they become available.

“We respect the judicial process and will not have any further comment at this time,” the statement said.