Schwagstock Site Forfeited

The owner of a southern Missouri campground that served as the home for festivals including Schwagstock and Spookstock will forfeit the property after pleading guilty to a federal drug charge.

James Tebeau was charged with one felony count of operating Camp Zoe for the facilitation of illegal drug use June 12. In his plea, he admitted “he intended that Camp Zoe be made available for sellers and users of controlled substances,” according to court documents obtained by St. Louis’ Post-Dispatch. Tebeau, who has played in a Grateful Dead tribute band, did not himself sell or profit from drug sales.

The 350-acre property has been closed since 2010 after the federal government seized it. During a four-year investigation, undercover officers allegedly made more than 150 purchases of illegal drugs during festivals on the site.

Tebeau faces up to 30 months in prison but could appeal an earlier rejection of a motion to dismiss his indictment.

An attorney for Tebeau told the Post-Dispatch his client will get $188,000 back that was seized by authorities. Whether that money will remain in Tebeau’s hands is unclear, however. The U.S. Attorney’s Office has filed a civil complaint and is reportedly expected to seek civil penalties and monies derived from campground operations.

A sentencing hearing is scheduled for September.