JACKSON COUNTY – Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects after a confrontation in northeast Kansas.
On May 28, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office was notified of a theft in progress at Walmart in Holton, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.
Deputies observed two individuals, later identified as Monica Ann Bustamante, 43, of Junction City, Kansas, and John Richard Tidwell, 47, of St. Louis, Missouri, inside the store allegedly concealing merchandise.
Law enforcement confronted both individuals as they were leaving the store. During the investigation, stolen merchandise was recovered and it is was discovered Tidwell was on federal supervised release from previous weapons charges, as well as distribution and manufacturing methamphetamine, according to Morse.
A search of the vehicle associated with the pair revealed multiple items of drug paraphernalia and methamphetamine. Tidwell and Bustamante were arrested and transported to the Jackson County Jail. Both subjects were booked into the Jail on requested charges of theft, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of methamphetamine, according to Morse. Bustamante is no longer in custody.