JOPLIN, Mo. — Dr. John “Jay” Joseph, a Joplin man, is facing multiple serious charges after being arrested for drug trafficking and weapons offenses. Prosecutors have charged him with first-degree drug trafficking and unlawful use of a weapon.
On Wednesday night, Dr. Joseph was apprehended by the Joplin police in the parking lot of the Kum & Go on South Main in Newton County. The arrest followed a narcotics transaction observed by a special team of investigators known as the “Joplin Flex Platoon.” According to court documents, Dr. Joseph was seen engaging in a “hand-to-hand” exchange with Kenneth Heistand and Kayla Hayes, who were in their vehicle nearby.
After Dr. Joseph returned to his truck, police detained him. Hayes and Heistand attempted to flee but were stopped and arrested as well. Investigators discovered a package containing 11 grams of fentanyl in Dr. Joseph’s pocket, a quantity the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) estimates could be lethal to approximately 5,500 people. Further searches of his vehicle revealed a gun and another gram of fentanyl.
In addition to these charges, Dr. Joseph is awaiting trial in connection with a fatal hit-and-run incident in Galena, Kansas, from August 2023. In that case, his son, along with Dr. Joseph, was involved in a crash that killed Gary LaTurner, 60. Dr. Joseph allegedly returned to the scene with his son but failed to report the accident, and LaTurner’s body wasn’t discovered until the following day. His next court date for the hit-and-run is scheduled for April 7.
Hayes and Heistand, who were also arrested, have prior criminal records for drug-related offenses, DWI, and theft.
Dr. Joseph was held in the Joplin City Jail but was later released after posting bond Thursday afternoon. Despite his arrest, his dental license remains active.
