For Immediate Release

September 23, 2025

Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson today announced charges against a Grandview, MO man following a major drug trafficking investigation led by the Jackson County Drug Task Force that took place over the summer. 

Dewayne C. Clarke faces one count of 2nd Degree Trafficking Drugs, five counts of Delivering a Controlled Substance Except 35 Grams or Less of Marijuana or Synthetic Cannabinoid, and one count of Unlawful Possession of a Firearm. * If convicted on the trafficking charge, he could serve up to 15 years in prison. The other charges carry up to 10 years each. 

A Grand Jury also found probable cause for an additional seven charges: 1st Degree Trafficking Drugs or Attempt, five counts of Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, and one count of Possession of a Controlled Substance. If convicted of the 1st Degree Trafficking charge, he could serve 10 years to life in prison. 

“I want to recognize and thank our award-winning Jackson County Drug Task Force for their outstanding investigative work that has undoubtedly saved lives by taking these drugs out of our neighborhoods,” said Prosecutor Johnson. “This is exactly the kind of aggressive action against drug distributors I promised when I took office, and we will continue working closely with the Task Force to protect Jackson County.”

According to court records, the Jackson County Drug Task Force became aware of the defendant, a major distributor, who distributes crack-cocaine in large quantities. During the investigation, the Task Force was able to obtain a search warrant for the defendant’s residence and located multiple firearms, about 1,650 grams of cocaine, Methamphetamine, and more than $60,000 in cash. 

The investigation is ongoing and additional charges are anticipated.

The defendant is being held on a $500,000 cash-only bond. 

The Jackson County Drug Task Force brings together detectives from multiple county police departments and sheriff’s offices with federal, state, and local agencies to target drug dealers across the metro.

*Charges are only accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until the defendant is either found guilty or pleads guilty.

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Media Contact: 

Jazzlyn Johnson

Director of Communications 

Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office 

415 E 12th Street

Kansas City, MO - 64106

(816) 929-1289 

jazzlyn.johnson@jacksongov.org 

https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com