Dale Robert Lau

Brittany Nicole Ealey

Jonathan Keith Courtney

     Three people were arrested Friday evening, March 22nd, on drug and weapons charges when authorities served a search warrant at a residence on Hickory Shadow Lane near Lakeview.  Authorities in Arkansas were contacted by the Kansas Highway Patrol in regards to a large shipment of marijuana that was in the process of being delivered to the Hickory Shadow Lane residence.

     The delivery of the marijuana was being monitored while investigators obtained the search warrant from the Baxter County Circuit Court.  Once the marijuana was delivered, investigators arrived at the residence and executed the search warrant.

     Investigators encountered three people at the house.  They were identified as 48 year old DALE ROBERT LAU of Lakeview, 31 year old BRITTANY NICOLE EALEY of Lakeview, and 33 year old JONATHAN KEITH COURTNEY of Mountain Home.  During the execution of the warrant, investigators found and seized approximately 26 pounds of marijuana, multiple articles of drug paraphernalia used for the sale and distribution of controlled substances, seven firearms, and approximately $15,150 in cash, all of which were seized and taken into evidence.  BRITTANY EALEY also had a small quantity of methamphetamine on her person. 

     All three subjects were taken into custody and transported to the Baxter County Detention Center where they were each incarcerated on the same charges of:

Possession of Schedule VI Controlled Substance with Purpose of Delivery – Felony
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Felony
Simultaneous Possession of Drugs and Firearms – Felony

     In addition, BRITTANY EALEY has a felony charge of Possession of Methamphetamine.

     DALE LAU and BRITTANY EALEY posted $50,000 bond each and were released from custody pending an appearance before the Circuit Court.  JONATHAN COURTNEY has not posted bond, which is also $50,000, and remains in custody.

     Agencies participating in the investigation, search, and arrests were both the 14th and 16th Judicial District Drug Task Forces, the Baxter County Sheriff’s Office, and the Kansas Highway Patrol.

/s/ John F. Montgomery,
Baxter County Sheriff