Two Arrested on Drug and Weapons Charges After Infant Found in Vehicle During Traffic Stop

Farmington, Mo. (KFMO) - Two individuals are facing multiple felony charges after St. Francois County Deputies responded to a report of a careless and imprudent driver on Sunday, June 22, 2025.

According to the Sheriff’s Department, deputies located a black Mercedes traveling erratically southbound on U.S. Highway 67 near Highway Y and conducted a traffic stop just north of Bonne Terre. The driver, identified as Zachary Welch, was found to have three active warrants through the Farmington Police Department and was taken into custody. A passenger in the vehicle, Mihaela Fain, was also identified. Deputies observed a 9-month-old infant in the back seat of the car. A K9 unit was deployed and alerted to the presence of narcotics. A search of the vehicle revealed a firearm and multiple capsules, which the suspects identified as fentanyl. Both Welch and Fain were arrested and transported to the St. Francois County Detention Center. The infant was released into emergency care with grandparents. While in custody, detention officers discovered an additional plastic bag of similar capsules in Welch’s constructive possession.

The St. Francois County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office is requesting the following charges against both Welch and Fain including Possession of a Controlled Substance, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm,  Endangering the Welfare of a Child, and a 2nd Degree Trafficking a Controlled Substance.

An additional charge of Possession of a Controlled Substance in a Jail Facility has also been requested against Welch.