Three Men Arrested For Alleged Meth, Child Endangerment

CAMDENTON, Mo. — The Camden County Sheriff's Office made three arrests last week on drug and child endangerment charges.

During the first incident, deputies and detectives from the Sheriff's Office and the Mid-Missouri Drug Task Force executed a search warrant at a residence on Hawk Island Dr on Sept. 5. They reportedly reportedly found the house was in disarray upon entry, with unsanitary conditions.

Three children resided in the residence.

Deputies allegedly located 9 grams of suspected meth and paraphernalia. Two adults responsible for the children—44-year-old Robbie Wise and 38-year-old Bertram Hessler—were both arrested and transported to the Camden County Adult Detention Facility. They were charged with the following:

- Wise: Class D Felony of Possession of a Controlled Substance, Class D Felony of 1st Degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child. His bond was set at $75,000.

- Hessler: Class A Misdemeanor of 2nd Degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child, Class A Misdemeanor of Resisting Arrest. He posted a $10,000 bond.

Bertram E Hessler.jpg — Bertram E Hessler

The second incident occurred on Sept. 7 when a deputy conducted a traffic stop on Lower Prairie Hollow Rd. The driver, 51-year-old Joey Bergthold of Columbia, was arrested for driving on a suspended license.

A search of the vehicle allegedly revealed several plastic baggies containing 29 grams of suspected meth. Bergthold was taken to the Camden County Adult Detention Facility where he was charged with Class D Felony of Possession of a Controlled Substance. His bond was set at $15,000.

"I would like to extend my personal gratitude to the dedicated law enforcement officers and agency partners who respond swiftly and effectively in these situations, ensuring the safety of the most vulnerable members of our community," said Sheriff Chris Edgar. "If you suspect child abuse or neglect, please do not hesitate to report it. You could be the voice that saves a life."

To report suspected child abuse or neglect in Missouri, call the Missouri Child Abuse & Neglect Hotline at 1-800-392-3738.