On April 18th, 2025, Investigators were notified by the Bates County Courthouse Security of a small bag of a green leafy substance located in the elevator of the courthouse. The bag was wrapped in tape and it appeared that it was taped to the inside of the handrail. The tape failed, and the small baggie fell to the floor. The courthouse security had watched the video from the morning and observed a subject that appeared to have no legitimate reason to be in the courthouse. The courthouse security team knew this subject had a family member in custody of the Sheriff’s Office, and that family member was due in court later that afternoon. The subject had told the security that he was there to talk with the court clerk but when they watched the video of his actions that day, he never made contact or attempted to make contact with the court clerk. The small bag of green leafy substance was tested and tested positive for marijuana.
During the investigation, a jail phone call was intercepted made on the morning of the incident between Ryan Gabriel and Cole Gabriel in reference to Cole having court in the afternoon. The conversation between the two was about Ryan getting Cole marijuana while in custody of the Bates County Jail. During the conversation Ryan told Cole what corner in the elevator Cole could find the “green” and even bragged “I got some green that is killer”.
Ironically, Cole Gabriel was due in court asking for a furlough from jail to seek drug treatment. After the conspiracy to deliver a controlled substance to the jail between the two brothers was brought to light, the Judge denied the request for the furlough and revoked the bonds on other pending charges for Cole. Cole remained in custody of the jail. Prosecutor Jenkins filed additional felony charges on Cole for Attempting to deliver a controlled substance to a Jail. The Prosecutor requested a bond of $100,000. Cole’s bond was set at $4500.00 and was later given a furlough from the jail to seek drug treatment.
Prosecutor Jenkins also filed felony charges against Ryan Gabriel for his role in the conspiracy. A warrant was issued for Ryan Gabriel for Attempting to deliver a controlled substance to a Jail and also Deliver 35 grams or less of Marijuana or Synthetic Cannabinoid. His bond was set at $100,000.
Ryan Gabriel, who is currently on Parole from prison for Stealing and Unlawful use of a Firearm, is currently wanted by the Sheriff’s Office for the above charges. We will be asking for the Governor’s fugitive taskforce for help in locating and arresting Gabriel.
“The County has invested heavily in technology to combat the smuggling of drugs in our Jail. Last year, the Sheriff’s Office purchased a $120,000 full body scanner to scan those who leave for court or are newly booked in. This year we purchased a $60,000 handheld x-ray to assist in cell searches. The Sheriff’s Office has a K9 unit for the purpose of jail cell searches and is also utilized in the schools because it can detect marijuna where, due to legalization of marijuana, the patrol dogs are not trained in that scent.” Says Sheriff Anderson. “I am the first person to try and understand the need for a balance between putting someone in jail for addiction and facilitating them getting treatment. We are one of the first Sheriff’s Offices in Missouri who employs a person whose sole purpose is to help people and their families find resources. But I do think there has to be a hard line from our community, our judicial system and law enforcement when it comes to second, third and fourth chances to change. Without that team work, Law Enforcement will continue to lose this battle. We look forward to working with the courts when it comes to furloughs and treatments to seek successful outcomes”
