08/14/2026
At tonight’s Board Meeting, Chief Ansell presented Detective Corporal Dave Buehrle with a Certificate of Commendation for his extraordinary work during a complex s*x trafficking investigation.
In May 2025, Edmundson Officers responded to an overdose at the Drury Inn, where a 26-year-old female was tragically found deceased. The initial investigation indicated the victim was likely involved in prostitution, and the room was rented under the name of an absent male. Detective Corporal Buehrle was assigned to the case.
For the next 14 months, Detective Corporal Buehrle conducted numerous interviews and executed multiple search warrants and subpoenas. His meticulous work included a massive review of text messages, photographs, videos, and hundreds of bank and phone records.
In July 2026, Detective Corporal Buehrle presented his findings to the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Missouri. A federal indictment was subsequently returned against Jared Anders, 30, of Sparta, Illinois, charging him with:
1️⃣ S*x Trafficking
2️⃣ Use of Interstate Facilities to Promote Prostitution
3️⃣ Use of Facilities in Interstate Commerce with Intent to Distribute Prostitution Proceeds
Beyond his investigative excellence, Detective Corporal Buehrle showed tremendous compassion. He located the victim's out-of-state parents and maintained constant contact, providing updates, support, and encouragement during an incredibly difficult time.
Last week, U.S. Marshals arrested Anders in Sparta, Illinois. During the arrest, local officers discovered large quantities of he**in, methamphetamine, steroids, and fentanyl, along with two handguns at Anders home. Anders, a convicted felon, is legally banned from possessing fi****ms.
Following the arrest, Illinois law enforcement officials contacted Detective Corporal Buehrle to thank him. His exhaustive work not only secured federal charges for his original case but also provided Illinois law enforcement with the critical intelligence needed to take down a major drug dealer in their own community.
Anders is currently being held in federal custody without bond.
We commend Detective Corporal Buehrle for his dedication, perseverance, and commitment to justice.
Exceptional job!