Pubdate: Tue, 26 Nov 2013
Source: Oklahoman, The (OK)
Copyright: 2013 Associated Press
Contact: http://www.newsok.com/voices/guidelines
Website: http://newsok.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/318
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/af.htm (Asset Forfeiture)

MISSOURI CAMPGROUND HAS DRUG HISTORY

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (AP) - Missouri's park system has bought a 
Shannon County campground from the federal government that had been 
forfeited after its former owner was convicted on a drug charge.

Missouri State Parks bought the more than 300acre property known as 
Camp Zoe at auction for $640,000 plus closing costs. The online 
auction began last month and ended Friday, said the park system's 
director, Bill Bryan.

The property had belonged to James Tebeau, who pleaded guilty in June 
2012 to one federal count of maintaining drug-involved property. For 
years, Tebeau had hosted concerts at Camp Zoe, including some that 
drew about 5,000 fans. The campground was raided during a Halloween 
2010 concert that prosecutors said featured up to 200 dealers selling 
marijuana, ecstasy, cocaine, LSD and other drugs.

As part of his plea deal, Tebeau acknowledged being aware of 
widespread drug sales on his property but not participating. He was 
sentenced to 30 months in prison. Tebeau, a married father of two, 
turned himself in to Yankton Federal Prison in South Dakota in May.

Bryan said the park system has wanted to acquire Camp Zoe for several 
years, calling it an "Ozark gem."

"Its location near Current River State Park and minutes away from the 
beloved Montauk State Park will provide visitors great opportunities 
to enhance their Missouri State Parks experience in the Ozarks," Bryan said.

He said Monday that plans for developing the land were still being 
worked out, and more land acquisitions could be at hand.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom