A Joplin dentist and two other individuals are arrested and charged with drug trafficking.

 

On Wednesday afternoon, Joplin Police observed three people in a parking lot behaving in a suspicious manner. When officers approached the group, the suspects who had been sitting in a vehicle attempted to flee, they were quickly stopped and detained. The third person was detained at the scene. A search revealed fentanyl and a stolen handgun. All three were placed under arrest.

 

The suspects have been identified as Joplin dentist 54-year-old John H. Joseph II, 66-year-old Kenneth Heistand, and 34-year-old Kayla Hayes, both of Joplin. All three face a charge of Drug Trafficking in the First Degree, while Joseph faces additional charges of Unlawful Use of Weapons, and Stealing. Heistand is also charged with Resisting Arrest.

 

Joseph is currently awaiting trial in a fatal hit-and-run case involving his son that led to the death of 60-year-old Gary LaTurner near Galena in August 2023. He is due back in court on April 7 in that case.

 

Photo: (left to right) John H. Joseph II, Kenneth Heistand, Kayla Hayes. Photo courtesy Joplin Police