Fugitive captured; drugs and firearm seized

A Mexico woman wanted on three felony warrants in Audrain County was apprehended Tuesday.

Kenadi Lovelace, 21, of Mexico, was arrested at a motel in Mexico following an investigation by the Audrain County Sheriff’s Office and the East Central Drug Task Force as part of Operation Relentless Pursuit, according to a news release.

The three warrants for Lovelace were issued on Feb. 21 and include:

• Two incidents occurring on April 2, 2025 where she was charged with felony possession of a controlled substance and misdemeanor unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia
• Three incidents occurring on April 6, 2025 where she was charged with three felonies — possession of a controlled substance, keeping or maintaining a public nuisance and stealing a firearm/explosive weapon/ammonium nitrate
• Three incidents occurring on June 11, 2025 where she was charged with misdemeanor unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia and two felony counts of possession of a controlled substance

During the investigation, it was learned that Lovelace was being assisted in evading law enforcement by her known romantic partner, Joseph Lovell, 42, of Mexico, according to the probable cause statement.

While conducting surveillance, police observed Lovell leaving the motel room that he was renting with an additional male subject driving a silver minivan, and a traffic stop was initiated in the 700 block of North Kentucky Street. During the stop, Lovell was found to be in possession of approximately 195 grams of methamphetamine, psilocybin mushrooms and a Ruger LCP .380 semiautomatic pistol, which he is prohibited from possessing due to prior felony convictions, according to the probable cause statement.

Lovell stated in a police interview that Lovelace and additional controlled substances were concealed in the motel room. He also stated that he knew of Lovelace’s fugitive status and was aiding her in avoiding apprehension by providing housing and money, according to the probable cause statement.

A search warrant was obtained and executed by the sheriff’s office, and Lovelace was apprehended without incident, according to the release.

During a search of the room, Deputy Andrew Duff located five capsules containing fentanyl and a methamphetamine bong and glass smoking device, both with burnt residue inside, according to the probable cause statement.

Lovelace is being held without bond at the Audrain County Jail and was charged with two additional felonies — second-degree drug trafficking and conspiracy to commit a felony. Lovell was charged with five felonies — first-degree drug trafficking or attempt, unlawful possession of a firearm, second-degree drug trafficking, possession of a controlled substance and hindering the prosecution of a felon.