Trisha Ann Potts of Owensville faces the class B misdemeanor charge of driving while intoxicated (DWI) following an Aug. 9, 2025, report by the Gasconade County Sheriff’s Office (GCSO).

Filed Wednesday, Dec. 31, the charge stems from allegations that Potts was driving intoxicated near Highway T and Pump Station Road.

GCSO reports conducting a traffic stop around 9:34 p.m. on a black Hyundai driven by Potts after witnessing the vehicle cross the yellow center line multiple times.

The officer noted observing three empty Busch Light cans and one half-full Michelob Ultra bottle in plain view in the vehicle, a strong odor of alcohol on Potts along with glassy eyes and wet spots on her shirt “later confirmed to be from the half-full bottle, which she had discarded after noticing (the officer’s) emergency lights.”

A preliminary breath test was conducted on scene with an additional test administered at the Owensville Police Department that indicated a rising blood alcohol level according to the report. Potts has also been charged with the class C misdemeanor of failing to drive on the right half of the roadway. No hearing or trial information was available at press time.

Ditto faces allegations of driving under the influence of cannabis

Isaac Hunter Ditto of Owensville was charged Dec. 31, 2025, with the class B misdemeanor driving while intoxicated relating to cannabis use.

According to the probable cause statement filed by the Gasconade County Sheriff’s Office (GCSO), Ditto was traveling westbound on Highway 28 on Aug. 23 when the vehicle he was driving veered to the right-hand side of the road and, after passing the GCSO patrol car, crossing over the center marker line and center lane divider.

GCSO reported detecting a strong odor of smoked marijuana flower coming from the driver’s side of the vehicle and Ditto as having bloodshot and watery eyes, slow appearing movements and “difficulty comprehending instructions.” The officer reported that Ditto advised he smoked earlier in the day.

No hearing or trial information was available at press time.

Couch charged with DWI

Joe Michael Couch of Owensville was charged Dec. 31 with the class A misdemeanor DWI stemming from an incident reported by the Gasconade County Sheriff’s Office (GCSO) Aug. 15.

GCSO stated in the probable cause statement that they were called out to a local gas station in Owensville for a peace disturbance around 11:43 p.m. that mid-fall evening and found Couch on the scene.

Couch is said to have notified law enforcement that he had been drinking at a local tavern prior to driving to the convenience store just under a half mile away and had signs of intoxication such as slurred speech, bloodshot eyes and an odor of intoxicants.

GCSO reported that a preliminary blood test was provided on scene and surveillance footage obtained from the store confirmed Couch arrived driving, parked and exited the vehicle prior to their arrival. They also noted a prior DWI conviction on March 12 from a Sept. 21, 2024, DWI report.

Case information filed by Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Emmy Pape-Stewart states Couch would be required to serve 10 days in custody before being eligible for probation or parole as mandated by state law. Trial and hearing information was not available at press time.