Sondra Nicole Loness, 41, of Pevely has been sentenced to seven years in prison after a Jefferson County judge revoked the probation that she received for two counts of second-degree drug trafficking. She had been arrested in Arnold and Crystal City in 2023, court records show.
Jefferson County Div. 4 Circuit Judge Brenda Stacey on Aug. 25 executed Loness’ two seven-year sentences she received on Feb. 25 after pleading guilty to the trafficking charges. In February, the sentences were suspended, and Loness was placed on five years’ probation, according to court documents.
The two sentences will run concurrently, or at the same time, for a total of seven years. However, Loness may be released early and placed on probation if she successfully completes a 120-day treatment program, court records show.
Jefferson County assistant prosecuting attorney Lindsay Whalen prosecuted the case.
In July 2023, Loness was arrested for trespassing at the Twin City Walmart, 650 S. Truman Blvd. She had been banned from the store in June 2022, according to a probable-cause statement filed by the Crystal City Police.
After she was arrested, an officer found she had multiple capsules and straws. The substances in the capsules were tested by the Missouri State Highway Patrol, and tested positive for fentanyl and methamphetamine, the report said.
Loness was arrested again in September 2023 when an Arnold Police officer saw her at a gas station. The officer knew she was wanted on an active warrant filed in Lincoln County and arrested her, the case’s probable-cause statement said.
The officer searched a vehicle Loness had driven to the gas station and found suspected narcotics and drug paraphernalia, the report said.
Loness appeared to have a medical emergency after being arrested, and she was transported to an area hospital. At the hospital, it appeared she had something in her pocket, and a bag that appeared to have more illegal drugs was found, according to the report.
The found substances were tested by the Highway Patrol, and tested positive for meth and fentanyl, the report said.