Camden County Sheriff’s Office Opens Free X-Ray Screening After Needles Found in Candy

Parents in Camden County now have access to free security screening for Halloween candy collected last weekend. The Camden County Sheriff’s Office opened the doors to the Justice Center on Sunday afternoon to let families run their children’s bags through X-ray machines. The service remains available to the public during regular business hours this week at the facility located at 1 Court Circle in Camdenton.

Deputies launched the investigation after a local family reported finding sewing needles inside candy gathered while trick-or-treating. The family collected the treats in neighborhoods along Route HH near Lake of the Ozarks. Investigators are currently working to pinpoint the exact source of the tampered items and determine if other subdivisions or households in the area were affected.

Authorities advise all parents to thoroughly inspect treats before consumption. Deputies specifically asked residents to look for punctures or tears in wrappers and to discard any opened or suspicious candy. The office provided a direct contact number, 573-346-2243, for anyone who discovers tampered items or has information regarding the incident.

The Justice Center screening offers a physical alternative to visual inspection for concerned families. While the investigation continues, the sheriff’s office aims to determine the extent of the impact on the local community. No other specific details about the suspect or the exact number of affected bags have been released.