Man just can’t keep out of jail while on pre-trial release

Isabella resident Robert Kelley, 64, became a frequent visitor to Ozark County Jail last year, with local officers serving three search warrants and three arrest warrants at his residence within a six-month span.

Kelley was first arrested in July 2025 after deputies executed a search warrant at his home on County Road 618 in Isabella on July 19. He was charged with delivery of methamphetamine, keeping or maintaining a public nuisance and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia. According to court documents, officers seized more than $6,000 in cash, multiple items containing a white crystal-like substance that field-tested positive for methamphetamine, more than 10 glass smoking devices, three digital scales and numerous plastic baggies.

The probable cause statement notes Kelley has multiple prior felony convictions for possession of a controlled substance and had recently been released from probation and parole supervision. Investigators also reported that between March 2024 and 2025, Kelley’s residence was frequently visited by individuals with documented drug-related criminal histories. Another person living at the home was arrested in March 2024 after being found in possession of methamphetamine.

A second search warrant was executed at Kelley’s home on Oct. 10, 2025. During that search, deputies reportedly located a glass vial and plastic baggie containing a white crystal-like substance that field-tested positive for methamphetamine, along with approximately 41 grams of marijuana.

Kelley was arrested that day and held on a $10,000 cash-only bond for four days. After his arraignment, he was granted supervised bond release with several conditions, including enrollment in the Turning Leaf residential substance abuse treatment program.

Less than a month later, on Nov. 6, Court Probationary Services filed a non-compliance report, resulting in a warrant for Kelley’s arrest for failing to follow court-ordered conditions. He spent several days in jail before being released again by court order on Nov. 15.

Eleven days later, another bond violation report was filed, and a judge issued a second warrant. Kelley was ordered to serve an additional 10-day “shock” jail sentence. Deputies reported that while arresting him, they observed a firearm in plain view inside the residence.

Because Kelley is a convicted felon, he is prohibited by law from possessing firearms. The weapon was later determined to have been reported stolen from Taney County. Deputies recovered the firearm and obtained another search warrant for the residence, during which additional methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia were allegedly found.

Kelley was booked into jail on the outstanding warrant and additional charges of unlawful possession of a firearm, possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Another non-compliance report was filed on New Year’s Eve, and a warrant was again issued for Kelley’s arrest. He was taken into custody on Jan. 2 and ordered to serve an additional seven-day shock jail sentence. 

Kelley faces charges of delivery of a controlled substance, keeping or maintaining a public nuisance and unlawful use of drug paraphernalia related to the July 19 search warrant, as well as possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia stemming from the Oct. 10 search. He is charged as a prior and persistent offender on all counts due to his extensive criminal history, a designation that carries the potential for enhanced punishment if convicted in the open cases. 

He was bound over to Circuit Court, and he’s scheduled to appear in the cases before Circuit Judge Craig Carter today.