KC Reporter

A woman from Mountain Home, Arkansas, and a man from Bakersfield, Missouri, have been arrested following their indictment by a federal grand jury for methamphetamine trafficking in southwest Missouri.

Virginia Perreira, aged 36, and John Zastrow, aged 34, were indicted on nine counts by the grand jury in Springfield, Missouri, on April 1, 2025. The charges were previously sealed but were disclosed to the public following the arrest of the accused.

The indictment indicates that Perreira and Zastrow were involved in a methamphetamine distribution conspiracy from March 12, 2024, to January 22, 2025. Perreira faces one conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine charge and four methamphetamine distribution charges. Zastrow faces a conspiracy charge, three distribution charges, a charge for possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute, and another for unlawfully possessing a firearm.

"The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence," stated the press release.

Under federal law, a conspiracy conviction could result in life imprisonment and a fine of up to $10,000,000. A methamphetamine distribution conviction could mean up to 40 years in prison and a $5,000,000 fine. Possession of an unlawful firearm could lead to a maximum of 15 years in prison with a $250,000 fine. These penalties are for informational purposes, as actual sentencing will follow court guidelines after a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine I. Schlegl is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the South Central Missouri Drug Task Force, and the Ozark County Sheriff's Office.