City of Sedalia Passes New Fentanyl Ordinance

The Sedalia City Council passed a new fentanyl ordinance Monday night prohibiting unlawful use of drug paraphernalia.

City Prosecutor Todd Smith came up with an idea to create a Municipal violation that can run parallel to the state charges.

It was explained in the agenda notes that the new ordinance will allow Sedalia Police to arrest someone with fentanyl on state charges, as well as arrest them for the paraphernalia that goes with it on Municipal charges.

The City Prosecutor can then file charges on the Municipal violation in Municipal Court, while at the same time, the County Prosecutor can take the drug dealers to the Circuit Court on state charges.

The suspect can still seek bond on both the Municipal and state charges that are pending trial. However, the Municipal Court docket traditionally moves much faster, and if convicted, the dealer can be sentenced up to 90 days in jail.

This move keeps the dealer off the street for 90 days while the state criminal charges are awaiting trial, it was noted.

Smith explained that if dealers are in jail, they cannot be making any money and will lose business in the meantime. He reasoned that the drug dealer will either find a legitimate way of making money, or move on somewhere else, away from Sedalia.

Smith also noted that he reviewed the legal statutes to make sure that the new ordinance does not violate double jeopardy laws.

Discussions also took place with Sedalia Police Chief David Woolery, Pettis County Sheriff Brad Anders and the Municipal Judge about the proposal. All were in agreement.

Mayor Pro Tem and Second Ward Councilwoman Tina Boggess led the discussion Monday night before Council voted unanimously to approve the ordinance.

Mayor Andrew Dawson made the following statement to KSIS about the City's new fentanyl ordinance following the meeting:

“I was proud to bring this legislation forward, and tonight we sent a clear message: the sale and distribution of fentanyl in the city of Sedalia will not be tolerated. This measure reaffirms our unwavering commitment to safeguarding our community from the dangers posed by this lethal drug.

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“By adopting this legislation, we aim to disrupt the business model of those who seek to profit from fentanyl at the expense of our citizens. We will relentlessly pursue strategies that increase the cost of doing business for these dealers, ensuring that our city remains a safe and secure place for all residents.

“Our collective effort sends a strong signal to those who might think Sedalia is a viable market for such activities: you are not welcome here, and we will use every tool at our disposal to combat this threat. Together, we stand united in our resolve to protect our community and uphold the values that make Sedalia a great place to live,” Mayor Dawson said.

According to Police Chief Woolery, who spoke to Council, Sedalia has seen 17 overdoses of fentanyl so far in 2024.

Local educator Susie Howe shared with Council her experience of losing her son Jacob to fentanyl poisoning four years ago.

“It can happen to any teenager or young adult that you know in Sedalia, which is why I think it's so important  that you pass this ordinance to protect our young teens and our community,” Howe told the Council.