Man sentenced after March Burglary at Osceola Hospital

James C. Schmutz

On March 1,2015 the St. Clair County deputies and the Osceola Police Department responded to a burglary at the Citizen's Memorial Hospital Pharmacy, Osceola. It was discovered an estimated 7,000 prescription narcotic pills including Hydrocodone, morphine and Oxycodone were missing from the pharmacy. Several pieces of evidence were located at the scene.

During the investigation search warrants were served and the prescription narcotic pills were located at a residence on SW 50 Road, Osceola. James Schumtz, 38, Osceola, was taken into custody. Formal charges are pending. 

Members of the Mid Missouri Multi Jurisdiction Drug Task Force also assisted with the investigation. The street value of the drugs missing from pharmacy was estimated at $83,000.


Case Update: 

During a bench trial on Oct. 8 James C. Schmutz pled guilty to Counts 1-3. In a plea agreement with the state, counts 4-7 were dismissed.

The Charges include:

• Count 1-Class B felony charge of theft/stealing

• Count 2-Class C felony charge of burglary-second degree

• Counts 3-7-Class B felony charges of distribution of a controlled substance

On May 28, 2015 amended information was filed charging Schmutz as a prior offender 

On Oct. 6, 2015 amended information was filed dropping Count 1 from a class B felony to to a class C felony.

On counts 1 and 2, Schmutz was sentenced to serve seven years in Missouri Department of Corrections (DOC) on each count. On count 3, he was sentenced to serve 10 years in the DOC with all the sentences running concurrent.