DWI charge dropped against pastor - KOAM TV 7

DWI charge dropped against pastor

Updated Dec. 8, 2009

NEOSHO, MO. - The City of Neosho is dismissing a Driving While Intoxicated Charge against Melvin Stapp, the pastor of Monark Springs Baptist Church.

According to a news release issued by the city "substances were found to be present in Stapp's test result", however, "it has been determined that it was the result of prescription medication lawfully taken by Mr. Stapp".

Stapp was arrested in July and charged with driving while intoxicated after crossing the center line.

The release states "Mr. Stapp and the City of Neosho wish to remind all drivers that when taking prescription medication it is essential that they be mindful of the effects of such medication and always use the highest degree of caution when operating vehicles." 

Updated Nov. 18, 2009

NEOSHO, MO. - Melvin Stapp is the pastor of Monark Springs Baptist Church.  He was arrested in July and charged with driving under the influence after crossing the center line.

At Tuesday night's Neosho City Council meeting his wife argued it was raining that day and her husband could not see the line.

She wants to know why it is taking so long for toxicology results to come back on her husband.

Neosho Police Chief David McCracken says since the pastor failed a field sobriety test then passed a breathalyzer, he is convinced the pastor was under the influence of something.

Stapp's wife says her husband does take prescription medicines but they do not impair his driving ability.

Chief McCracken says a state backlog is why the toxicology results are taking so long and results should be back by the end of this month.