Willard woman dies in collision at Grand Avenue and West Bypass

(From the Springfield Police Department)

On Dec. 19, at 8:23 a.m., officers with the Springfield Police Department responded to a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of Grand Avenue and West Bypass.

Mary Peterson, 86, from Willard, was driving a 2022 Chevrolet Malibu southbound on West Bypass and entered the turning lane to go east on Grand. As Peterson turned, her vehicle was hit by Victor Bowers, 22, from Springfield, driving northbound on West Bypass in a 2007 Dodge Caliber. Bowers and his passenger were transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Peterson was transported to the hospital with life-threatening injuries where she later died. Peterson’s family was notified.

The circumstances of the crash are part of an ongoing investigation. Anyone with information is requested to contact the Springfield Police Department at 417-864-1810 or the tips hotline at 417-869-TIPS.

This was Springfield’s 24th fatal motor vehicle crash in 2024.

Springfield business owner sentenced for $14 million CARES Act fraud scheme

(From the U. S. Attorney for the Western District of Missouri)

A Springfield, Mo., business owner was sentenced in federal court today for his role in a nearly $14 million wire fraud conspiracy that utilized his businesses, as well as fake businesses, to fraudulently receive loans under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

John Michael Felts, 49, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Bough to two years in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Felts to pay $8,173,736 in restitution. 

Felts also must forfeit to the government personal property and real estate purchased with the proceeds of the wire fraud conspiracy as asserted in two civil forfeiture complaints. That property includes four parcels of real estate in Springfield, six vehicles, a yacht, two Rolex watches, five additional pieces of valuable jewelry, a 1952 Topps Jackie Robinson baseball card, a 1980-1981 Topps Larry Bird, Julius Erving, and Magic Johnson card (signed by all three players), and a 1909-1911 Ty Cobb baseball card.

On July 31, 2023, Felts pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of wire fraud.

Felts was the owner of several restaurants, including Taco Habitat in Springfield and Branson, Mo. Felts admitted that he participated in a wire fraud conspiracy that fraudulently attempted to obtain $13,925,534 through commercial loans as well as Paycheck Protection Program loans and Economic Injury Disaster loans and grants under the CARES Act from January 2018 to Sept. 13, 2022. Although Felts admitted that he attempted to obtain almost $14 million, the court today ruled that the actual loss amount was $8,173,736, for which Felts must pay restitution.

The purpose of the CARES Act was to provide emergency financial assistance due to the economic impact caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The CARES Act authorized the Small Business Administration to provide low-interest Economic Injury Disaster Loans to eligible small businesses that experienced substantial financial disruption due to the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) authorized forgivable loans to small businesses to retain workers and maintain payroll, and make mortgage interest payments, lease payments, and utility payments. Under the PPP, both the principal and interest on those loans were eligible for forgiveness.

Felts and another person, a San Antonio, Texas, resident identified in court documents as “Individual-1,” applied for PPP loans and Economic Injury Disaster loans and grants for various businesses they controlled. The conspirators made material misrepresentations about the businesses in the applications, including the purpose of the funding, and submitted fake and forged documents as a part of the application process.

Felts and Individual-1 also created fake businesses that they controlled, under fake identities they created. The conspirators then used these fake businesses and identities, as well as false financial and business documents, to apply for loans.

Felts did not utilize the loan proceeds for the purpose he represented to the lenders in the application process. Instead, he utilized proceeds for his own personal benefit (including vehicles, a yacht, jewelry, rare sports cards, and construction related to personal residences) and for the benefit of other businesses he controlled.

According to a parallel federal civil complaint filed on Sept. 13, 2022, Felts applied for 12 PPP loans using several different companies under his ownership or control. Most of these companies did not have employees and were not in operation at the time of application. Felts also applied for 13 PPP loans using synthesized or fabricated identities and companies under his control.

$2 Million Fraudulent Diagnostic Equipment, Inc., Loans

For example, in January 2020 Felts and Individual-1 set up a business, Diagnostic Equipment, Inc., for the purpose of representing it as a legitimate business, when in fact it was not and did not have any business operations. On April 26, 2020, they submitted a fraudulent PPP loan application for Diagnostic Equipment. Felts, using a fake identity, submitted false materials in support of the PPP loan application, such as false tax statements and payroll summaries. On June 18, 2020, they applied for an EIDL in the name of Diagnostic Equipment.

After receiving $1,029,100 in PPP and EIDL proceeds, Felt spent $157,000 of the proceeds to pay off a personal real estate loan, spent $39,000 to pay off a loan for a 2018 Cadillac CT6, spent $40,000 to pay off a loan for a 2018 Jeep Wrangler (which he gave as a gift to a relative), and spent $5,000 to make a down payment for the purchase of personal real estate.

On April 25, 2021, Felts submitted a fraudulent PPP loan application for Diagnostic Equipment for a second round of PPP loans. Felts received $1,054,494 in PPP loan proceeds and spent $150,000 for a corporate suite sponsorship with the Kansas City Chiefs, spent $213,000 to pay a loan on a 2021 Galeon 470SKY Yacht, spent $30,000 for construction on his personal residence, and spent $12,180 on sports memorabilia.

$310,000 Fraudulent Taco Habitat Loan

In May 2020, Felts and Indivdiual-1 submitted a PPP loan application for Taco Habitat in Branson. This application contained material misrepresentations, including the number of employees for the business.

After Felts received $310,000 in PPP proceeds for Taco Habitat in Branson, he spent $58,594 to purchase a 2020 Jeep Wrangler (which he gave as a gift to another individual) and spent $125,707 for the purchase of personal real estate.

This criminal case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Casey Clark and the civil case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony M. Brown. Both the criminal and civil cases were investigated by IRS-Criminal Investigation.

Springfield Police Department makes 24 DWI arrests during saturation patrol

(From the Springfield Police Department)

The Springfield Police Department, Greene County Sheriff’s Office, Missouri State Highway Patrol, and 10 other local agencies arrested 24 impaired drivers during a 10-hour saturation patrol on Saturday, Dec. 14. The multi-jurisdictional effort was organized by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD).

Officers used marked patrol vehicles to enforce hazardous moving violations commonly associated with intoxicated driving. There were 482 total vehicles stopped during this multi-jurisdictional patrol. In addition to the 24 drivers arrested for driving while intoxicated, 16 others were arrested for illegal drug possession or outstanding warrants.

Officers with the Springfield Police Department conducted 38 vehicle stops and arrested three impaired drivers. Additionally, officers issued nine citations and 30 warnings to drivers.

As a reminder, consequences of impaired driving include jail time, loss of driving privileges, sentencing to use ignition interlocks and increased insurance rates. Financial losses include attorney fees, court costs, lost time at work, and the potential loss of a job.

Always have a plan for how to get home. Drunk driving is not worth the consequences. If you drink and drive, you lose.

Saturation patrols are funded through a grant from the Missouri Department of Transportation Traffic and Highway Safety Division.

Springfield City Council votes yes to professional soccer feasibility study

(From the City of Springfield)

Springfield City Council unanimously approved a measure Monday night to sign a letter of intent between the City and the United Soccer League (USL), committing to exclusively negotiate the potential of bringing professional men’s and women’s soccer teams to Springfield.

City officials and a representative from USL will make the formal announcement at 10:30 a.m. Dec. 17 at the proposed location for a potential new stadium at the Jordan Valley Commons (corner of Trafficway and National).

During the negotiation period, the City will evaluate the viability of supporting professional soccer teams and explore opportunities to enhance entertainment options in the City’s burgeoning sports district downtown. Council will consider sharing the cost of feasibility research with USL to consider various factors, including potential funding and the addition of a soccer stadium east of Hammons Field.

“We are incredibly excited about the potential opportunity to bring both USL men’s and women’s teams to Springfield,” says Justin Papadakis, USL Deputy Chief Executive Officer. “The City has a rich soccer culture and a passionate community of sports fans that aligns with the USL’s vision of growing the sport at all levels. We are committed to working closely with the City of Springfield to explore how we can contribute to the community’s vibrant future through professional soccer.”

Director of Economic Vitality and Workforce Development Amanda Ohlensehlen said the letter of intent includes discussions and potential collaboration for a real estate development project that would result in a multi-purpose sports and entertainment district in Springfield.

“We believe this partnership could elevate Springfield’s sports landscape, provide new entertainment options, and drive significant economic and community benefits,” she said.

Springfield’s soccer community has grown into a robust ecosystem, fostering talent and achieving competitive success through player development at all ages, as well as soccer facility growth.

Over the past decade, Springfield, Missouri, has seen significant accomplishments in soccer at various levels:

1. Missouri State University (MSU) Soccer Success:

MSU’s men’s soccer team has become a powerhouse in NCAA Division I soccer, boasting the best overall win percentage since 2019 and making six consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances. They have consistently been regular-season champions in the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC), hosting several MVC Championships in Springfield.

2. Springfield Demize Achievements:

The Springfield Demize, an amateur indoor soccer team, has advanced in league play, capturing the Midwest Division crown in the MASL (Major Arena Soccer League) 3 in 2022 and transitioning into the Major League Indoor Soccer (MLIS). Their development pipeline has produced players for professional teams and national pools.

3. Sporting Springfield Club Development:

As an affiliate of Sporting Kansas City, Sporting Springfield has excelled in youth soccer, winning numerous state and regional championships, and advancing players into collegiate, professional, and national team levels. The club also emphasizes community engagement, donating significantly to local causes.

4. Southwest MO Rush

Rush Soccer is an international sports organization focused on the development of youth soccer players.

Springfield, Missouri, has also fostered significant growth and investment in its soccer facilities recently. These initiatives aim to enhance the playability of fields, expand visitor capacity, and attract larger tournaments to Springfield, boosting local sports tourism and community engagement.

Key developments include:

1. Cooper Park and Lake Country Soccer Improvements: A $25 million renovation project is underway at Cooper Park, incorporating artificial turf for eight soccer fields and creating a new soccer stadium environment. Phase 1, set for completion in 2024, also includes new locker rooms, concessions, ADA-accessible walkways, and additional parking. Phase 2, scheduled for 2025, will expand improvements to other sports facilities within the park.

2. Betty and Bobby Allison Sports Town: This facility, opened in 2022, is home to the Sporting Springfield Soccer Club and continues to support soccer growth in the area. It offers a range of soccer programs and tournaments, further establishing Springfield as a regional hub for soccer.

The first reading of the measure to consider the letter of intent and a budget adjustment to assist in the financing of feasibility research will be Dec. 3rd. The public hearing will be held over to City Council’s Dec. 16th meeting, with a vote expected at that time.

About The USL

Founded in 1986, the United Soccer League (USL) is the largest and fastest-growing soccer organization in the United States, impacting more than 200 communities nationwide. The USL is the first and only organization to offer a comprehensive youth-toprofessional pathway for both men and women under one ecosystem. 

This structure includes three men’s leagues: the USL Championship (Division II), USL League One (Division III), and USL League Two (pre-professional). The women’s pathway includes the top-tier USL Super League (Division I), which debuted in 2024, and USL W League, the country’s leading preprofessional women’s league. The USL also oversees USL Academy, a progressive talent development platform, and USL Youth, a premier national youth competition.

With multi-year national and international media rights agreements across various platforms including CBS Sports, ESPN and Peacock, the USL is the most widely accessible soccer league in the country

Springfield could the next in line to be part of one of the most widely accessible soccer leagues in the United States.

Springfield man pleads guilty to fentanyl trafficking, illegal firearms

(From the U. S. Attorney for the Western District of Missouri)

A Springfield, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to illegally possessing more than a kilogram of fentanyl and 14 firearms.

Proevine Lennox Robins, 51, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge David P. Rush to one count possessing fentanyl with the intent to distribute and one count of possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime.

On March 21, 2023, Springfield police officers executed a search warrant at Robins’s residence. Officers found more than a kilogram of fentanyl, 14 firearms, ammunition, and $21,000 in cash.

The fentanyl was discovered in multiple locations throughout the house, including the garage, the attic space above the garage, and a bedroom. The fentanyl in the garage was hidden inside three stacked tires.

Among the 14 firearms seized by officers was a loaded Smith & Wesson 9mm that had been reported stolen and another loaded 9mm handgun with no visible serial number.

Robins told investigators he paid about $9,000 to purchase the fentanyl, which he was selling for $1,000 to $2,000 per ounce. He estimated he had sold an average of two ounces per week for the past 10 to 12 months. Robins said he had made about 10 trips to St. Louis, Mo., over the past 10 months to purchase fentanyl.

Under federal statutes, Robins is subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in federal prison without parole, up to a sentence of life in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron A. Beaver. It was investigated by the Springfield, Mo., Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Willard man killed in crash

(From the Springfield Police Department)

On Dec. 13, at 10:32 p.m., officers with the Springfield Police Department responded to a single-vehicle crash the intersection of Kansas Expressway and Calhoun Street.

Allen Ferrell, 57, from Willard, was driving a 2003 Chevrolet Silverado northbound on Kansas Expressway. He crossed over the raised median, the southbound lanes of travel, and Calhoun Street, finally coming to rest against the front of a house.

Ferrell died at the scene. Ferrell’s family has been notified of his death.

The circumstances of the crash are part of an ongoing investigation. Anyone with information is requested to contact the Springfield Police Department at 417-864-1810 or the tips hotline at 417-869-TIPS.

This was Springfield’s 23rd fatal motor vehicle crash in 2024.

Rockaway Beach sex offender indicted for child pornography

(From the U. S. Attorney for the Western District of Missouri)

A Rockaway Beach, Mo., man who is a registered sex offender was indicted by a federal grand jury today for receiving child pornography.

Roy Dean Faux, 51, was charged in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Springfield, Mo. Faux has two prior state felony convictions for attempting to entice a child under the age of 15. Due to his prior convictions, Faux is subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in federal prison without parole if convicted.

Today’s indictment alleges that Faux received child pornography from July 1, 2023, to May 7, 2024. The indictment also contains a forfeiture allegation, which would require Faux to forfeit to the government two cell phones and a computer tablet, which were used to commit the offense.

The charge contained in this indictment is simply an accusation, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charge must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ami Harshad Miller. It was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Southwest Missouri Cyber Crimes Task Force, and the Taney County, Mo., Sheriff’s Office.

Springfield man killed in collision at Sunshine and Jefferson

(From the Springfield Police Department)

On Nov. 29 at 8:42 a.m., officers with the Springfield Police Department responded to a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of Jefferson Avenue and Sunshine Street.

Donald Abraham, 54, from Springfield, was driving a silver 2013 Chevrolet Sonic westbound on Sunshine Street at Jefferson Avenue when his vehicle hit a southbound white 2010 Ford F150 driven by Douglas Oss, 70, of Springfield. Abraham and Oss were transported to area hospitals.

 

On Dec. 4, 2024, the Springfield Police Department was notified that Abraham died from his injuries on Dec. 2. Abraham’s family has been notified.

The circumstances of the crash are part of an ongoing investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Springfield Police Department at 417-864-1810 or the tips hotline at 417-869-TIPS.

This was Springfield’s 22nd fatal motor vehicle crash in 2024.

City officials working to bring men's and women's professional soccer to Springfield

(From the City of Springfield)

The City of Springfield is in preliminary discussions with the United Soccer League (USL), regarding the possibility for bringing both men’s and women’s professional soccer to Springfield. 

 A measure before City Council Dec. 3 will consider a letter of intent (LOI) between the City and committing to sharing the cost of feasibility research with USL.

 

Director of Economic Vitality and Workforce Development Amanda Ohlensehlen said this work would include discussions and potential collaboration for a real estate development project that could result in a multi-purpose sports and entertainment district in Springfield. City-owned property located at 1109 E. Trafficway has been identified as a potential site for a soccer stadium.

City Council will hear a first reading at at its Council Lunch Workshop, 11:30 a.m., Dec. 3, with the public hearing carried over and an expected vote Dec. 16. More details can be found on the agenda posting here: https://springfieldmo.portal.civicclerk.com/event/8648/overview.

Springfield sex offender sentenced for child pornography

(From the U. S. Attorney for the Western District of Missouri)

A Springfield, Mo., man who is a registered sex offender was sentenced in federal court today for receiving child pornography.

Marvin E. Smith, 44, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Roseann A. Ketchmark to 16 years in federal prison without parole. The court also sentenced Smith to spend the rest of his life on supervised release following incarceration.

On March 5, 2024, Smith pleaded guilty to one count of receiving child pornography.

Smith’s state parole officer discovered images of child pornography on his cell flip phone on Feb. 8, 2023. The next day, the manager of the halfway house where Smith resided discovered a microSD card that had been taped to the back of Smith’s television. Investigators found additional files of child pornography on the microSD card, including infants and prepubescent girls being sexually assaulted and children engaged in bestiality and bound. In total, investigators found more than 6,400 files of child pornography.

Smith has prior felony convictions for possessing child pornography and residing within 1,000 feet of a school. Smith had been released from state prison eight months earlier and was on parole at the time he committed the federal offense in this case.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie L. Wan. It was investigated by the FBI, the Southwest Missouri Cyber Crimes Task Force, and the Springfield, Mo., Police Department.