U.S. Marshals ask for help locating couple charged with drugs, gambling 

CEDAR RAPIDS - Federal authorities are seeking the public's help in locating two people who have been charged with drug, money laundering and gambling offenses in federal court. The couple, Melissa Al Sharairei (also known as Melissa Schermerhorn), 35, and her husband, Mohammad Al Sharairei, 33, of Cedar Rapids but who were recently living in in Pueblo, Colo., didn't show up for court Monday. They were set to plead guilty to the drug charges and to be arraigned on two new charges.

A magistrate issued federal warrants for their arrests Monday. According to court records, the two have been charged with maintaining a premises for the distribution of controlled substance analogues, money laundering, and conducting an illegal gambling business. The indictment indicates the Al Sharaireis maintained the Puff N Stuff II Tobacco Outlet, 1545 1st. Ave. SE, for the purposes of distributing a mixture or substance containing a controlled substance analogue or illegal substance intended for human consumption.

Anyone with information as to the whereabouts of the Al Sharaireis should call the United States Marshals Service at (319) 362-4411.