VAN BUREN, Mo. (AP) — A southeast Missouri sheriff is now charged with distribution of methamphetamine.

Carter County Sheriff Tommy Adams was arrested Saturday. Carter County prosecutor Rocky Kingree filed formal charges Monday. Adams, who is 31, is jailed on $250,000 cash-only bond. He does not yet have an attorney.

Meanwhile, a county deputy was also on a 24-hour investigative hold, but formal charges had not been filed.

Coroner Dennis McSpadden is serving as acting sheriff, but has appointed Van Buren city officer Rick Stephens to handle day-to-day operations. McSpadden says the county commission will meet on Tuesday to consider appointing Stephens as acting sheriff.

Kingree declined interview requests. He said in a statement that the investigation continues.

Carter County, not far from the Arkansas border, has about 5,900 residents.

Copyright 2011 The Associated Press