Joplin dentist taken into custody on drug, weapon charges

A dentist from Joplin was taken into custody Wednesday on charges of first-degree drug trafficking and unlawful use of a weapon.

A probable cause statement out of Newton County says a police detective watched 54-year-old Dr. John Henry Joseph II engage in an alleged drug transaction.

Authorities say they found an 11 gram package with fentanyl in it, plus another gram of fentanyl in his truck. A search also found drug paraphernalia and a stolen pistol in his truck.

He’s being held in the Joplin City jail. Bond set at $10,000.

Two others were arrested in the drug deal as well:

Joseph was previously charged in connection with a hit and run case involving his son that took the life of 60-year old Gary LaTurner in Galena in August 2023.

Prosecutors say in that case he returned to the scene of the hit and run with his son and saw LaTurner injured on or near the roadway but did not offer help or call first responders.