LOUISIANA, Mo. — Meth, opiates, pills, random drug paraphernalia, credit and debit cards, and substances suspected to be fentanyl were among the items seized at the apartment residence of Louisiana Police Chief William E. Jones, according to the probable cause statement filed by the Pike County Sheriff’s Department.

Jones faces felony charges of drug trafficking, drug possession and tampering with physical evidence following an incident that took place on Tuesday, Oct. 18. Emergency crews were called to Jones’ residence for two overdose victims just before 10 p.m. The victims were later identified as the brothers of Jones’ girlfriend, Alexis Thone, who were temporarily residing with the couple. Gabriel Thone, 24, was found dead in the master bedroom of the apartment. Another brother, Chase Thone, 21, was found in the guest bedroom in respiratory distress. He was revived at the scene with NARCAN and later transported to Pike County Memorial Hospital.

According to the probable cause statement, Chase Thone was identified as overdosing a month prior by deputies. Jones gave verbal and written consent to search of the residence. It was noted in the statement, “Mr. Jones maintained he had no idea there was [sic] illegal drugs being used in or around his home.” Alexis Thone reported to deputies that she was aware of drug use of her brothers, but didn’t know where they obtained the drugs and further advised they all struggled with mental health issues.

A detailed account of items seized from Jones’ apartment was listed in the probable cause statement. Among the items in the guest bedroom: a rainbow colored pipe, purple glass pipe, pink and purple capsule, pink one-hitter, gray bag with five one-hitters, blue and brown capsule, a glass bong, silver grinder, a grinder with substance, silver one-hitter, digital scales, white notebook paper with powdery and crystal substance, multicolored one-hitter, pink and purple capsule, red and green capsule, glass pipe, credit and debit cards belonging to others, four cellular phones and a letter from Jones to Alexis Thone.

Items cataloged from the master bedroom included: several multi-colored capsules, rolled dollar bill used for snorting powdery substances, business card of William Jones, lottery tickets, chalk pen, bag of white powdery substance, purple pill casing, and red and blue capsule.

Deputies also searched a dumpster at the residence after four individuals at the scene reported Jones had attempted to dispose of items before law enforcement arrived at the scene. Found in the dumpster was one used and two unused narcotic test kits. One was for testing cocaine and two were for identification of heroin and opiates.

Items at the scene tested positive for methamphetamine and opiates. All capsules were suspected of containing fentanyl and will be submitted to the Missouri State Highway Patrol lab for official weight and actual chemical makeup.

Jones and Thone were taken into custody following a traffic stop in Louisiana at about 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 19. Jones, 50, is being held at the Lincoln County Jail. His bond was initially set at $150,000 cash only, but has been upgraded to no bond option. Alexis Thone, 25, is lodged at the Pike County Jail on a $100,000 cash only bond.

The Louisiana city council met in executive session on Wednesday evening. An off-duty Louisiana police officer, Burns Forsythe, was present at the scene on Oct. 18 and made the initial call on the county’s dispatch, non-emergency line. Another Louisiana police officer, Eddie Embly, was also reported at the scene.

Mayor Tim Carter issued a statement on Friday, Oct. 21 noting that Jones was placed on administrative leave as of Wednesday, Oct. 19.

“I am personally seeking to initiate the necessary process to remove Chief Jones from his position with the City of Louisiana. Under state statutes, the city council must act to both formally initiate that process and to make the final decision.”

Carter went on to point out the city is working with attorneys to make sure the measures are handled properly.

“Our police board and city council are working with me diligently to ensure a path forward on providing the citizens of our community with a professional police force that will be responsive to our city’s needs and uphold the citizens’ trust with the utmost integrity.”

The city has issued no official statements about other officers being placed on administrative leave. A temporary chief has also not been named at this time.

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All persons charged with a crime are presumed innocent until found guilty.