Sunrise Beach Police Officer Fired Amid Drug Investigation By Camden County Deputies

A Sunrise Beach police officer who was terminated Tuesday now faces felony drug charges after a traffic stop on Route MM, according to a probable‑cause statement filed in Camden County Circuit Court.

Detective David Neumann of the Mid‑Missouri Drug Task Force wrote in the statement that he stopped a Dodge Ram around 5:15 p.m. July 1 because it lacked a rear bumper. The driver was identified as 52-year-old Pete Fox, a full‑time officer with the Sunrise Beach Police Department. A passenger, identified as his 45-year-old girlfriend Candelaria Stacy, was also in the truck.

Neumann noted both occupants appeared “excessively nervous.” During the stop, he allegedly spotted a cigarette‑cellophane wrapper holding assorted pills in the passenger‑door pocket. Fox reportedly denied having illegal contraband but consented to a vehicle search.

Before the search began however, his girlfriend allegedly admitted methamphetamine was inside the truck.

Investigators say they recovered about four grams of meth, multiple syringes (two testing positive for meth), a metal spoon, a cut straw with residue, and two blue pills later identified as alprazolam. Both Fox and Stacy were arrested around 6:10 p.m.

Fox invoked his Miranda rights and declined to answer questions, according to the statement. Stacy allegedly told detectives Fox had known about the meth since February and had been warned there was “stuff” in the vehicle as officers initiated the stop.

Fox is charged with two counts of felony possession of a controlled substance. He was in the Camden County jail on a 24‑hour hold pending formal filing by the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office.

Sunrise Beach Police Chief Scott Craig said Sheriff Chris Edgar informed him of the arrest the same night. Fox was then terminated immediately. “Anytime an officer is accused of conduct, it’s a serious matter that impacts both internal morale and public trust,” Chief Craig said, adding that no public harm has been reported.

"It is deeply troubling when a law enforcement officer is involved in alleged criminal activity, but we will continue to pursue justice without fear or favor," Sheriff Edgar shared. "Under my leadership, the Camden County Sheriff’s Office is committed to transparency, integrity, and accountability."

Chief Craig emphasized that the department is cooperating fully with the ongoing investigation and with the Missouri Department of Public Safety, which oversees peace‑officer licensing.

“We expect our officers to maintain the highest levels of professionalism, integrity, and respect, both on and off duty,” Chief Craig said. "We're using this moment to reinforce our standards and ensure our personnel continue to uphold the values expected of them."