MAY 30, 2022
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NEWS RELEASE #22-0530-3
CONTACT: SHERIFF TIM MORSE 785-364-2251
John Richard Tidwell
Monica Ann Bustamante
Pair arrested on drug and theft charges
JACKSON COUNTY, Kan. (JASO) – Sheriff Tim Morse reports on May 18, 2022, at approximately 3:15 P.M., the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office was notified of a theft in progress at Walmart in Holton. 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. 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 for theft, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of methamphetamine.