From the desk of Sheriff Scott Bradley

On October 31st, 2016, Agents from the 20th Judicial District Drug Crime Task Force and assisted by the deputies from the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office, arrested 52 year old Richard Timmy Cates of Shirley. Task Force agents over the past months conducted an undercover buy of controlled illegal controlled substances from Cates and obtained an arrest warrant. Cates is being charged with 2 counts of felony Delivery of a Controlled Substance (prescription drugs). Cates is currently incarcerated at the Van Buren County Detention Center awaiting a first appearance.

Law enforcement makes arrest on facts they gather. All person are presumed innocent until proven guilty.