Kimberling City doctor pleads guilty, admits he didn't pay taxes

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

Tammy Dickinson, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced that a Kimberling City, Mo., man who worked as an emergency room physician pleaded guilty in federal court today to failing to file tax returns despite earning hundreds of thousands of dollars in income each year.

Phillip Edward Psaltis, 64, of Kimberling City, waived his right to a grand jury and pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge David P. Rush to a federal information that charges him with two counts of failing to file an income tax return.

Another Springfield man indicted for child porn

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

Tammy Dickinson, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced today that a Springfield, Mo., man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for receiving and distributing child pornography over the Internet.

Jarod “Bull” Michel, 31, of Springfield, was charged in an indictment returned under seal by a federal grand jury in Springfield on Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2014. The indictment was unsealed and made public today upon Michel’s arrest and initial court appearance.

The federal indictment alleges that Michel received and distributed child pornography over the Internet between July 18, 2013, and May 20, 2014.

According to court documents, Michel’s computer was identified by two separate law enforcement agencies conducting independent undercover investigations concerning the distribution of child pornography using peer-to-peer file-sharing software. Investigators allegedly downloaded several videos of child pornography that were being shared over the Internet by Michel’s computer.

The indictment also contains a forfeiture allegation, which would require Michel to forfeit to the government any property used to commit the alleged offense, including a laptop computer.

Dickinson cautioned that 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 James J. Kelleher. It was investigated by the FBI.

Springfield man indicted on child porn charge

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

Tammy Dickinson, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced today that a Springfield, Mo., man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for using a minor to produce child pornography.

Tyler Coons, 23, of Springfield, was charged in a two-count indictment returned under seal by a federal grand jury in Springfield on Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2014. The indictment was unsealed and made public today upon Coons’s arrest and initial court appearance.

The federal indictment alleges that Coons used a minor, identified as “Jane Doe #1,” to produce child pornography between Jan. 1 and June 20, 2014. Coons is also charged with one count of receiving and distributing child pornography.

Dickinson cautioned that the charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges 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 James J. Kelleher. It was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Greene County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department.

Springfield man sentenced for crack cocaine, weapons charges

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

Tammy Dickinson, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced that a Springfield, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for illegally possessing crack cocaine and a firearm.

Ulysses Johnson, 37, of Springfield, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool to 12 years and six months in federal prison without parole.

On April 7, 2014, Johnson pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and to possessing crack cocaine with the intent to distribute. An undercover Springfield police officer purchased crack cocaine from Johnson on three separate occasions in December 2011 and January 2012. Officers executed a search warrant at Johnson’s residence on Jan. 18, 2012, and found a loaded FIE Tanfoglio .22-caliber revolver in the nightstand of the master bedroom, a partial box of .357-caliber and .22-caliber ammunition the hallway bathroom and a large bag that contained 12.64 grams of crack cocaine, divided into eight smaller individual baggies, hidden in an oven mitt in the kitchen. Johnson was placed under arrest.

Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearms or ammunition. Johnson has prior felony convictions for aggravated robbery and taking a driving a vehicle without consent, two prior felony convictions for delivery of a controlled substance and two prior felony convictions for possession of THC.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ami Harshad Miller and Cindy Hyde. It was investigated by the Springfield, Mo., Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Battlefield man sentenced to three years for embezzling $945K

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

Tammy Dickinson, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced today that a Battlefield, Mo., man has been sentenced in federal court for embezzling $945,000 from his employer.

Travis E. Honaker, 36, of Battlefield, was sentenced by U.S. Chief District Judge Greg Kays on Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2014, to three years and one month in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Honaker to pay $945,200 in restitution.

On March 18, 2014, Honaker pleaded guilty to wire fraud and money laundering. Honaker admitted that he engaged in a scheme to defraud his employer, Prime, Inc., from Aug. 22, 2007, to December 2011. Through his schemes, Honaker embezzled at least $945,200 over the five-year period of the investigation. The illegally obtained funds were used for Honaker’s personal living expenses and paid for such items as a 2005 BMW SUV, a 2009 Range Rover SUV, a down payment and subsequent mortgage payments on a residence in Battlefield and his wife’s extensive gambling expenses.

Springfield man pleads guilty in $6.7 million K2 scheme

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

Tammy Dickinson, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced that a Springfield, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to a $6.7 million scheme that involved the distribution of approximately 2.2 kilograms of synthetic cannabinoids, commonly referred to as K2.

Brandon D. Franklin, 28, of Springfield, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool to conspiracy to commit mail fraud and to conspiracy to commit money laundering.

Franklin admitted that he engaged in a mail fraud scheme by selling and shipping (via FedEx) Kryp2nite products, which were falsely labeled as “incense” and “not for human consumption,” but in reality are intended for human consumption as a drug. He manufactured and distributed K2 to retail outlets in Springfield, Joplin and elsewhere through his Springfield business, ThirdEye.

Between Oct. 29, 2009, and Nov. 6, 2012, Franklin deposited $6,760,041 in proceeds from the distribution of synthetic cannabinoids into his bank accounts. Based upon a review of invoices seized during the investigation, Franklin charged approximately $3 per gram of synthetic cannabinoid. Therefore, Franklin distributed approximately 2,253 kilograms of synthetic cannabinoids.

Franklin also admitted to his role in a money laundering conspiracy related to conducting financial transactions involving the proceeds of unlawful activity, which were designed to conceal or disguise the nature, location, source, ownership and control of the proceeds.

Franklin must forfeit to the government any property derived from the proceeds of the offenses, including a money judgment of $6,760,041; real estate in Springfield, Mo., Rogersville, Mo., Springfield, Ore., and Redding, Calif.; the funds contained in several bank accounts totaling more than $535,000; and investment funds totaling $267,632.

Under federal statutes, Franklin is subject to a sentence of up to 40 years in federal prison without parole, plus a fine up to $750,000. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

Today’s conviction is the result of a large-scale investigation by local, state and federal law enforcement agencies into the distribution of K2, the slang term for synthetic cannabinoid products. K2 is a mixture of plant material that has been sprayed or mixed with a synthetic chemical compound similar to THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana. K2 products are often labeled as “incense,” but in reality are intended for human consumption as a drug.

This case is being prosecuted by Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael S. Oliver. It was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the FDA Office of Criminal Investigations, IRS-Criminal Investigation, the Jasper County Drug Task Force, the Jasper County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, the Joplin, Mo., Police Department, the Webb City, Mo., Police Department, the South Central Drug Task Force, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Springfield, Mo., Police Department, the Newton County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department and the Greene County, Mo., Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.

Marionville soldier killed in training accident

A report from KOLR News

Four southwest Missouri residents sentenced for meth conspiracy

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

Tammy Dickinson, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced that four south Missouri residents were sentenced in federal court today for their roles in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.

Juan Moreno-Malagon, 40, of Highlandville, Mo., Jesus Moreno-Malagon, 56, of Ozark, Mo., Valentin Gomez-Torres, 27, of Battlefield, Mo., and Luis A. Ramon-Lara, 33, of Morrisville, Mo., were sentenced in separate appearances before U.S. Chief District Judge Greg Kays. Juan Moreno-Malagon was sentenced to 11 years and three months in federal prison without parole. Jesus Moreno-Malagon and Gomez-Torres were each sentenced to seven years and three months in federal prison without parole. Ramon-Lara was sentenced to four years and two months in federal prison without parole.

McDonald County Jail facing major overcrowding issues

A report from KODE's Allie Voldtvedt

Lamar Square being revitalized

A report from KODE's Rae Patterson

Federal grand jury indicts Lebanon car dealer for fraud

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

Tammy Dickinson, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced today that a Lebanon, Mo., automobile dealer has been indicted by a federal grand jury for a mail fraud scheme in which he sold dozens of vehicles with fraudulent titles that greatly underreported the actual mileage of the vehicles.

Kenneth W. Smith, 60, of Lebanon, was charged in a seven-count indictment returned under seal by a federal grand jury in Springfield, Mo., on Aug. 26, 2014. That indictment has been unsealed and made public upon Smith’s arrest and initial court appearance.

Springfield man: I punched, kicked, and choked my wife, but someone else killed her

(From Greene County Prosecuting Attorney Dan Patterson)

Greene County Prosecuting Attorney Dan Patterson announces that Daniel O. Mauldin, 36, of Springfield, Missouri, has been charged today with murder in the second degree for killing his wife, Tara Mauldin.

These events occurred yesterday, September 2, 2014, at 1619 S. Kentwood, Springfield, Missouri.

The defendant is being held in the Greene County Jail on a $500,000 bond.

Mr. Patterson cautions that the charges contained in the felony complaint are merely allegations and that the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.
.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Nathan 

Chapman. It is being investigated by the Springfield Police Dept. and Detective 

Brian Smith is the lead investigator assigned to the case.

The probable cause affidavit is printed below:

Late night fire claims old Neosho church building

A report from KSN News

Barton County Sheriff's Department Report

(From the Barton County Sheriff's Department)

Trailer Stolen
On 08-20-2014  Ronald S. Legrand came to the Sheriffs Office and reported that he had a trailer stolen and knew who stole it.  After obtaining statements from several individuals about the trailer an interview was conducted with the suspect, Jackie D. Ford, age 45, of Lamar.  Reports in this case will be sent to the prosecutor for filling of criminal charges of Stealing.

Crowder College's new president begins first semester

A report from KODE's Allie Woldtvedt

Hazardous materials found during search of Springfield home

(A report from KOLR News)

Traffic slowdown scheduled on I-49 in Lamar Thursday

(From MODOT)

I-49 at Lamar: Traffic Slowdowns/Stops

For Bridge Girder Installation at First St.

MoDOT Traffic Alert: Where: Northbound and southbound lanes of I-49 at First Street in Lamar When: At times between 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, August 28 What: Law enforcement officers slowing down I-49 traffic and possibly stopping traffic to allow contractor crews to install bridge girders over I-49 Traffic Impacts: Drivers urged to use caution and be prepared to stop during the operation Weather and/or work scheduling conflicts will alter the work schedule.

Springfield police officer pleads gulity to shooting unarmed panhandler

A report from KOLR News

Springfield observance held for Michael Brown

Missing man's body found in Table Rock Lake

A report from KOLR News

Agreement with Springfield universities puts police on campus

A report from KOLR's Brett Martin

Live coverage of Lamar-Mt. Vernon football tonight

Watch, Share and Broadcast High School Events LIVE - in HD - for free!

Springfield NAACP comments on Ferguson protests

A report from KOLR News

Springfield Fire Department saves woman from burning home

A report from KOLR's Nick Thompson

Authorities continue search for Neosho High School vandals

A report from KOAM's Stacey Lindsey KOAM TV 7

Stotts City man pleads guilty to child pornography charge

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

Tammy Dickinson, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced that a Stotts City, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to attempting to manufacture child pornography by secretly videotaping a child victim in the shower.

Christopher L. Modglin, 45, of Stotts City, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool to one count of attempting to manufacture child pornography.

By pleading guilty today, Modglin admitted that he secretly recorded video of a child victim between the ages of 11 and 13 years old taking a shower. Modglin also admitted that he owned several computers that contained images and movies of child pornography.

Nixon announces funding for Chadwick early childhood education project

(From Gov. Jay Nixon)

Gov. Jay Nixon today visited the Chadwick School District to announce a new investment throughMissouri Start Smart to expand access to quality early childhood education opportunities so that more Missouri children start kindergarten ready to succeed in school and beyond.

“Last year we launched Missouri Start Smart to increase access to affordable early childhood education programs to help young children succeed in school and help parents stay in the workforce,” Gov. Nixon said. “This effort was incredibly successful and I’m proud to announce that it is back for a second year, as we continue to recognize that early childhood education is a smart investment with a big return.”

Missouri Rehabilitation Center in Mt. Vernon closing

A report from KOLR's Matt Lupoli

Dade County Route NN closed Tuesday for pipe replacement

(From MODOT)

Dade County Route NN CLOSED

On Aug. 12 for Pipe Replacement

MoDOT Traffic Alert: Where: Dade County Route NN CLOSED between Routes N and AA south of Lockwood. When: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 12. What: Road closed to allow crews to replace a deteriorating drain pipe underneath the road. Traffic Impacts: Drivers will have access to driveways on either side of the closing, but will not be able to travel through the work zone.  Drivers are urged to find an alternate route during the closing. Weather and/or work scheduling conflicts could postpone the project.

Springfield investigators find burned woman's suicide note

(From the Springfield Police Department)

During the course of the investigation into the death of 30-year-old Ashli Hilton, a suicide note was found in the home. While indications at this time point to suicide as her cause of death, this case will remain under investigation until the autopsy is complete. 

 
Springfield firefighters were called to the 1300 block of East Pacific Monday evening for a fire outside. Upon arriving, they found the body of 30-year-old Ashli Hilton lying in the back yard of the home with severe burns. No additional information is available at this time.

Guilty pleas mean Buffalo gals won't be coming out tonight

Tammy Dickinson, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced today that two Buffalo, Mo., women have pleaded guilty in federal court to stealing the identities of 20 victims to obtain unauthorized credit cards in the victims’ names.

Kelly Marie Lockhart, also known as Kelly Marie Wilson, 35, of Buffalo, waived her right to a grand jury and pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge David P. Rush to a federal information that charges her with one count of aggravated identity theft. In a separate but related case, Stacy R. Rosa, also known as Stacy R. Webbe, 40, of Buffalo, waived her right to a grand jury and pleaded guilty on Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2014, to a federal information that charges her with one count of aggravated identity theft.

Lockhart and Rosa admitted that they aided and abetted one another to obtain unauthorized credit cards by stealing the identity information of approximately 20 victims between April 12, 2012, and Jan. 17, 2014. They used the credit cards to make approximately $60,655 in purchases.

Lockhart and Rosa used stolen personally identifying information (including individuals’ names, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, driver’s license numbers and bank account information) to gain access to the identity theft victims’ bank and credit card accounts via telephone and the Internet, and to open new credit card accounts. Lockhart and Rosa obtained unauthorized credit cards issued in the victims’ names, and utilized those cards to purchase merchandise and gift cards and to obtain cash advances.

The plea agreements each cite a specific example in which they impersonated a North Carolina victim during a telephone call and obtained a secondary credit card in the name of Kelly Wilson (Lockhart’s alias). On April 22, 2013, Lockhart used the unauthorized credit card in Bolivar, Mo., to obtain a $3,600 cash advance. On April 30, 2013, Rosa used the unauthorized credit card to pay $96 for her visit to a hair salon in Buffalo.

Under federal statutes, Lockhart and Rosa are each subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of two years in federal prison without parole, plus a fine up to $250,000 and an order of restitution. Sentencing hearings will be scheduled after the completion of presentence investigations by the United States Probation Office.

These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven M. Mohlhenrich. They were investigated by the U.S. Secret Service, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Buffalo, Mo., Police Department and the Bolivar, Mo., Police Department.

Woman dies in Springfield fire

(From the Springfield Police Department)

A 30-year-old woman has died as the result of a fire-related incident.  Springfield firefighters were called to the 1300 block of East Pacific Tuesday evening for a fire outside.  Upon arriving, they found the body of the woman lying in the back yard of the home.  An autopsy will be conducted Wednesday to determine the cause of death.  The investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing.  The woman’s name will be released once family has been notified.

Springfield Police seek help finding missing woman

(From the Springfield Police Department)

The Springfield Police Department is investigating a report of a missing person and is asking for assistance from the public. Ashley C. Onescu (Cunningham) was last seen getting into a green Pontiac Grand Am near the Library Station, 2535 N. Kansas Expressway, at approximately 2 p.m. on June 30. Onescu does not have access to her prescribed medications. She has gone missing previously, but had always contacted family members by phone or social media in the past. Onescu has not had any contact with family members since she was last seen on June 30. Family members fear she may be in danger.
 
Onescu is 22 years of age, approximately 5 feet 7 inches, 115 pounds, reddish-blond hair, blue eyes and a tattoo on each shoulder.
 
Anyone with information in reference to Onescu’s disappearance or whereabouts is asked to call the Springfield Police Department at 864-1810. Callers may remain anonymous.

Springfield Police to hold DWI checkpoint

(From the Springfield Police Department)

The Springfield Police Department takes drunk driving very seriously and is planning increased enforcement, which will include at least one DWI checkpoint, during the month of August.
 
The checkpoint will be funded by a grant from the Missouri Department of Transportation. In 2013, the SPD worked over 2,190 hours related to this grant. These directed enforcement efforts yielded 190 DWI arrests, 903 traffic citations, 41 drug arrests, 33 felony arrests, five stolen vehicles recovered and 63 fugitive apprehensions. An additional 878 DWI arrests, which were not part of directed enforcement efforts, were made throughout the year.
 
Consequences of drunk 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.
 
Drunk driving is not worth the consequences. Remember, if you drink and drive, you lose.
 

Seligman man killed in one-car crash near Washburn

A Seligman man killed in a one-vehicle accident 6:10 p.m. Sunday on MO 90 two miles west of Washburn.

According to the Highway Patrol, a 1979 Chevrolet Corvette driven by Brian S. Sharp, 31, ran off the roadway, struck a culvert and overturned. A passenger in the Sharp vehicle, Kenneth Patterson, 48, was pronounced dead at the scene by Barry County Coroner Charles McManus.

The death was the 59th fatality in 2014 for Highway Patrol Troop D.

Brown v. Board of Education sisters speak in Springfield

Nixa man sentenced in mortgage fraud scheme

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

Tammy Dickinson, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced today that a Nixa, Mo., man who was a co-owner of Greenleaf Companies has been sentenced in federal court for aiding and abetting a bank fraud conspiracy that was part of a multi-million-dollar mortgage investment scheme.

Eric Gagnepain, 41, of Nixa, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Greg Kays on Wednesday, July 30, 2014, to four years in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Gagnepain to pay $2,911,214 restitution.

On Jan. 9, 2014, Gagnepain pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud. Gagnepain co-owned and operated Greenleaf Companies and all of its subsidiaries, along with Scott Dasal, 47, of Republic, Mo., from 2006 through May 2008. During this time, Greenleaf sponsored real estate investment seminars that were designed to recruit potential investors to apply for mortgage loans for the construction and sale of residential homes in southwest Missouri and northwest Arkansas.

Gagnepain admitted that he aided and abetted others in the creation and submission of fraudulent mortgage loan documents. These mortgage loan documents contained false statements regarding the true source of monies provided at the time of closing, as well as fraudulently omitting the payment of monies obtained from the sale of the real estate properties.

Dasal was sentenced on Nov. 21, 2013, to three years in federal prison without parole and ordered to pay $2,911,209 in restitution. Dasal pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting a bank fraud.

Gagnepain derived more than $1 million in gross receipts from his criminal conduct. The total loss amount resulting from the bank fraud conspiracy is between $2.5 million and $7 million.

Gagnepain’s plea agreement cites a specific instance of such fraud that occurred on March 12, 2008. Gagnepain and others created false mortgage loan documents that were submitted to Flagstar Bank. The loan documents fraudulently stated that the borrower had provided their own monies at the time of the closing; in reality, however, Greenleaf provided monies that were falsely identified as “cash from borrower.” Additionally, the loan documents omitted the fact that Greenleaf would receive monies from the sale of the real estate property from the seller. If Flagstar Bank had known the true source of the monies provided on behalf of the borrower, or that Greenleaf was receiving monies from the sale of this real estate property, the bank would have denied the mortgage loan application.

Under the terms of his plea agreement, Gagnepain was required to also plead guilty to state charges (State of Missouri vs. Eric Christian Gagnepain). The sentence in the state case will be served concurrently with the federal sentence.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Carney. It was investigated by the FBI and IRS-Criminal Investigation.

Springfield man sentenced for counterfeit DVD scheme

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

Tammy Dickinson, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced today that a Springfield, Mo., man has been sentenced in federal court for a scheme to sell thousands of counterfeit DVDs over the Internet.

Matthew Cerullo, 42, of Springfield, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Greg Kays on Wednesday, July 30, 2014, to one year and one month in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Cerullo to forfeit to the government a desktop computer, a laptop computer, various computer media, two cameras, an iPhone, two additional cell phones, 15 gold coins, 240 silver coins, four baseball cards, all of the counterfeit DVDs and $5,300, all of which was used to commit the offenses or was obtained from the proceeds of the offenses.

Cerullo pleaded guilty on Oct. 28, 2013, to mail fraud, trafficking in counterfeit labels, trafficking in counterfeit goods and making false statements to federal agents.

Based on records obtained from the U.S. Postal Service, the United Parcel Service (UPS), DHL, EBay and Amazon.com, federal agents determined that Cerullo purchased and received more than 22,000 counterfeit DVDs from a distributor in Hong Kong, China between Feb. 13, 2013 and Sept. 10, 2013.

According to court documents, the federal investigation began when a shipment of counterfeit DVDs from Hong Kong was seized by Customs and Border Protection agents at JFK Airport. The counterfeit DVDs were being shipped to a UPS store located in Springfield under the name of a business owned by Cerullo.

Federal agents interviewed Cerullo at his residence on May 2, 2013. Cerullo told agents that he had not receive a seizure notice from Customs and Border Protection. Cerullo also told agents that he orders toys and jewelry from China to resell on EBay or to local venders, but does not buy DVDs. Cerullo claimed that he owns only one business, C3 Wholesale, LLC.

During the course of the investigation, however, agents learned that Cerullo’s statement contained false and fraudulent information that was designed to mislead them and their investigation. Agents determined that Cerullo had in fact received four prior seizure notices from Customers and Border Protection; these notices were discovered in his desk during the execution of a search warrant at his residence. Agents also learned that Cerullo owned, operated and sold counterfeit DVDs through four different businesses: C3 Wholesale, LLC; EJC Supply, LLC; Midwest Wholesale and Capital Sierra, LLC; and EJC Supply Company.

On Sept. 3, 2013, agents observed Cerullo mail a large quantity of packages at a local post office. Postal Inspectors inspected the contents of these packages and discovered that Cerullo had mailed 165 packages of counterfeit DVDs to various individuals around the country. Inspectors also noted that the return address on each package was fictitious.

The next day, federal agents executed a search warrant on Cerullo’s residence and a storage locker that Cerullo rented. Agents discovered nearly 23,000 counterfeit DVDs between those locations.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Carney. It was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

Former Republic bank manager sentenced to 3 years for embezzling, fraud

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

Tammy Dickinson, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced today that a former bank branch manager has been sentenced in federal court for stealing more than $316,000 from several elderly customers’ accounts and failing to report the embezzled income on her taxes.

Jennifer A. Gunter, 34, of Republic, Mo., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Greg Kays on Wednesday, July 30, 2014, to three years and 10 months in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Gunter to pay a total of $547,897 in restitution.

Gunter pleaded guilty on Sept. 12, 2013, to bank fraud and filing a false tax return. Gunter was the branch manager at the Guaranty Bank at 291 Highway CC in Nixa, Mo., (and earlier at the Guaranty Bank at 1341 W. Battlefield, Springfield, Mo.) from August 2005 until her termination in November 2012.

Gunter’s fraud was detected when she issued and authorized three checks on the bank account of a victim who had died the previous day. Gunter admitted that, from December 2006 until November 2012, she repeatedly accessed the bank accounts of four elderly bank customers. Gunter embezzled a total of $316,598 from those accounts.

Gunter submitted transaction tickets, withdrawal slips, and cashier’s checks on which she forged the names of the account holders in order to withdraw money from the bank accounts. She used the money for personal matters and expenses. Gunter set the customer accounts to “do not mail” status in order to keep the customers from receiving their bank statements and detecting the theft from their bank accounts.

Gunter failed to report this embezzled income on her Form 1040, U.S. Individual Income Tax Return. Gunter did not report the additional income of $45,002 for 2009, $70,481 for 2010, $107,119 for 2011, and $35,000 for 2012. Gunter’s actions resulted in an additional tax due and owing of $7,642 in 2009, $13,305 in 2010, $22,935 in 2011, and $6,258 in 2012. The total tax loss is $50,140.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Carney. It was investigated by the U.S. Secret Service, FDIC – Office of Inspector General, IRS-Criminal Investigation and the Christian County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department.

Former postmaster sentenced for conspiracy to commit robbery

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

Tammy Dickinson, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced that the former Eagle Rock, Mo., postmaster was sentenced in federal court today for conspiring to rob or burglarize a convenience store.

Michael Joe Stubblefield, 51, of Cassville, Mo., sentenced by U.S. District Judge Gary A. Fenner to three years and eight months in federal prison without parole.

On Dec. 18, 2013, Stubblefield pleaded guilty to participating in a conspiracy to commit robbery and to transporting stolen goods.

On multiple occasions in March 2012, Stubblefield – who was then employed as the postmaster at the U.S. Postal Service office in Eagle Rock – met with confidential informants, who were cooperating with law enforcement, to coordinate a staged robbery or burglary at Uncle Roy’s Convenience Store. Several of those conversations were recorded.

Stubblefield asked one of the informants, who was an employee of the store, to provide detailed information about the location of cameras, closing operations and employee schedules, location of storage areas for valuable liquor, and other specific details regarding the operation of the store. Both confidential informants believed the purpose of Stubblefield’s inquiries were his desire to conduct a robbery when the confidential informant was on duty at the convenience store or possibly a burglary of the facility, utilizing the employee’s access information to carry out the plan after the store was closed.

When that employee was terminated from the store, Stubblefield abandoned the plan of a staged robbery and turned his attention toward a possible take-over robbery. In addition to discussing the planned robbery, Stubblefield also described how those taking part in the robbery could place cash, masks and other items related to the robbery in Postal Service packaging that Stubblefield would provide. After the robbery, co-conspirators would drop these items at the USPS drop box in front of the USPS facility in Eagle Rock. As Stubblefield was the only individual with access to this box, he would be able to retrieve the cash and other items from the drop box.

Stubblefield planned to create a diversion for law enforcement officers by having co-conspirators make a false 911 call while other co-conspirators robbed the store.

During the continuing investigation, it was determined that Stubblefield had also intercepted and stole at least two shipments of precious metals bound for THR Associates, a company that buys gold and silver items. Stubblefield referred to these thefts during his contact with the confidential informants. The gold and silver items were sold for a total of $6,480.

This case was prosecuted by Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Oliver and Assistant U.S. Attorney James Kelleher. It was investigated by the FBI, the United States Postal Service – Office of Inspector General, and the Barry County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department.

Springfield Police warn of phone scam

(From the Springfield Police Department)

The Springfield Police Department has received a report from a citizen recently victimized by a telephone scam. It is probable the suspects have also attempted the scam on other victims in the area.

The complainant reported receiving a call on her cellular telephone which showed on the display as being from “911.” The suspect, who had what the victim described as an Indian accent, asked the victim for some personal information and then informed the victim she had a warrant out for her arrest for “failure to pay back a payday loan.” He advised her officers would be at her residence soon to arrest her unless she took care of the matter. The victim was given a telephone number and a fake case number before being instructed to call “the Attorney General” at a number given. Upon calling the number, the victim spoke with another male with an Indian accent who advised the warrant would be withdrawn if the victim paid the loan in full by loading the dollar amount onto a money card and giving him the card information. While speaking with the suspect, the victim received another call on her phone that appeared on the display as being from an area law enforcement agency. The victim complied with the requests of the suspects and ended up paying the requested amount.

Citizens should be aware that suspects have been known to spoof telephone numbers so that the numbers appear to be from local law enforcement agencies or 911 on Caller ID. The SPD advises citizens to be wary of any unsolicited telephone call during which the caller demands immediate payment. Citizens should obtain the name of the caller before hanging up and calling the official telephone number of the agency to verify the credentials given to them by the caller.

The SPD also advises citizens not to give out or verify their personal information unless the citizen made the initial call directly to the known agency.

The FBI provides more tips for protecting yourself from being victimized by phone scams on its Web site.

Springfield Police Academy graduation set for Friday

(From the Springfield Police Department)

Graduation ceremonies for the officers of the 64th Springfield Police Academy will be held at 7 p.m., Friday, Aug. 1, at Praise Assembly Church, 3535 N. Glenstone.

The 24 graduates have undergone 1,019 hours (25 weeks) of intense law enforcement training. Upon graduation, they will be assigned to an experienced field-training officer (FTO) for approximately 520 hours (13 weeks) of on-the-job training. Once they complete the FTO program, these new officers will be assigned to the Uniform Operations Bureau.

The breakdown of recruits is as follows:

17 Males
7 Female

Their education and experience include:
5 Associate's Degree
15 Bachelor's Degree
2 Previously Class A POST Certified
3 Prior or Current Military

The media and public are invited to attend.

Buffalo man sentenced to 20 years on child pornography charges

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

Tammy Dickinson, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced that a Buffalo, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for receiving and distributing child pornography over the Internet.

Emilio R. Haro, 30, of Buffalo, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Greg Kays to 20 years in federal prison without parole. Haro pleaded guilty on Dec. 19, 2013. The court also sentenced Haro to spend the rest of his life on supervised release following his prison term.

Law enforcement officers from two separate agencies independently identified Haro’s computer during their investigations into the sharing of child pornography over peer-to-peer file-sharing networks during the summer of 2012. Officers executed a search warrant at Haro’s residence and seized two laptop computers and an external hard drive, which contained hundreds of videos and images of child pornography.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney James J. Kelleher. It was investigated by the Southwest Missouri Cybercrimes Task Force, the Republic, Mo., Police Department, the Nixa, Mo., Police Department and the Dallas County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department.

Nixa man pleads guilty to producing child porn

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

Tammy Dickinson, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced today a Nixa, Mo., man has pleaded guilty in federal court to producing child pornography.

Michael John Kinney, 40, of Nixa, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge David P Rush on Tuesday, July 29, 2014, to one count of producing child pornography and one count of possessing child pornography. Kinney was taken into federal custody at the conclusion of yesterday’s plea hearing.

By pleading guilty, Kinney admitted that he used a minor victim to produce child pornography between Jan. 27, 2007, and Jan. 26, 2009. Kinney also admitted that he was in possession of child pornography on April 29, 2011.

Federal agents executed search warrants at Kinney’s home and business addresses and seized two laptop computers from his home. Investigators discovered 10 videos of child pornography that were made from a hidden camera in Kinney’s home and additional videos and images of child pornography, including children under the age of six engaged in acts of sexual intercourse with adults or other children. Investigators also discovered numerous images of child erotica, including a child victim in various stages of undress. Kinney must forfeit those computers to the government.

Under the terms of Kinney’s plea agreement, the government will recommend a sentence of 15 years in federal prison without parole. 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 Randall D. Eggert. It was investigated by the FBI, IRS-Criminal Investigation and the Christian County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department.

Bolivar man sentenced to 10 years on child pornography charge

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

Tammy Dickinson, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced that a Bolivar, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for possessing child pornography.

Leland Wallace Crull, 44, of Bolivar, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Greg Kays to 10 years in federal prison without parole. Crull pleaded guilty on Feb. 3, 2014. The court also sentenced Crull to spend the rest of his life on supervised release following his prison term.

Law enforcement investigators with the Southwest Missouri Cyber Crimes Task Force were investigating child pornography images and/or videos being shared on a peer-to-peer file-sharing network in April 2012. Crull’s computer was identified as sharing child pornography over the Internet. Officers executed a search warrant at Crull’s apartment on Aug. 9, 2012. He initially refused to answer the door and then attempted to exit the back of the residence, but was detained by law enforcement officers. Investigators seized Crull’s laptop computer, an external hard drive and his cellular phone, which contained hundreds of images and videos of child pornography.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney James J. Kelleher. It was investigated by the Southwest Missouri Cybercrimes Task Force and the Polk County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department.

Springfield motorcyclist killed in two-vehicle accident

(From the Springfield Police Department)

On July 26, 2014 at 10:36 a.m., the Springfield Police Department was dispatched to a motor vehicle crash involving a red Dodge Dakota and a Yamaha Motorcycle at the Intersection of Interstate 44 and Glenstone.

At the intersection, the Dodge Dakota, driven by Lloyd Friggle, 78, of Springfield, was traveling north on Glenstone.  Friggle’s vehicle struck the Yamaha Motorcycle driven by Maurice Way, 44, Springfield, who had entered the intersection from the westbound exit ramp of I-44 to Glenstone.  Way was thrown from the motorcycle after being struck.  Way was transported to a local hospital where he later died.  Friggle was uninjured and did not seek medical attention.

Way’s next of kin has been notified, and the investigation is ongoing.

Portion of Westgate Ave. in Springfield closed until noon

(From the City of Springfield)

BNSF Railway has closed Westgate Avenue near Haseltine Road until noon today for repair work on the railroad crossing. Motorists are advised to use the Eldon Avenue detour, accessible from Division Street.

Bridge demolition west of Springfield rescheduled

(From MODOT)

Work to demolish the Route MM/B bridge over I-44 west of Springfield has been RESCHEDULED for the weekend of August 8-9, the Missouri Department of Transportation said.  

The bridge demolition is the first step in a project to replace the Route MM/B bridge with a new wider and taller structure. 

During the bridge demolition, I-44 traffic will be rerouted over the ramps at the interchange.

Drivers can expect traffic disruptions on I-44 and on Route MM/B starting at 7 p.m. Friday night, August 8, and lasting until 6 p.m. Saturday, August 9.

Bridge Demolition Schedule

• 7 p.m. Friday, August 8 -- One lane in each direction on I-44 will be closed at Route MM/B.
• 8 p.m. Friday, August 8 -- Route MM/B will be CLOSED at I-44.
• 10 p.m. Friday, August 8, until 6 p.m. Saturday, August 9 -- I-44 traffic routed over the ramps at the Route MM/B interchange.
• During the bridge demolition, Route MM/B traffic will NOT have access to I-44. However, I-44 traffic will be able to exit at Route MM/B.
• I-44 drivers who want to avoid the possible congestion at Route MM/B can use Route 65 to Route 60 to Route 360 in Springfield to detour around the bridge demolition area.

Traffic Impacts During Bridge Construction

The Route MM/B bridge over I-44 will be CLOSED from August 8 to November 8.  However, the ramps at the interchange will remain open much of the time.

In late September, it will be necessary to CLOSE the ramps at the interchange for up to 30 days. During the ramp closing, drivers will NOT be able to use the interchange and will need to follow the signed detour.

Drivers can expect nighttime lane closings at times on I-44 at Routes MM/B.  Nighttime work hours will be 7 p.m. to 6 a.m.

Project Background

Prime Contractor: L. Krupp Construction, Inc., Ellisville, MO

Completion Date: December 15, 2014, although the new bridge will be open to traffic by November 8, 2014.

Construction Cost: $1.8 million

Cassville man killed in motorcycle accident

A Cassville man was killed in a motorcycle accident 12 p.m. Saturday on Highway 112 three miles south f Cassville.

According to the Highway Patrol report, Mickey R. Austin lost control of a 2007 Harley Davidson motorcycle while passing another vehicle, left the roadway and overturned, sjecting him.

Austin was pronounced dead at Cox South Hospital, Springfield.

The fatality was the 54th this year and the fourth this month for Highway Patrol Troop D.

Wheaton man killed in one-vehicle accident

A Wheaton man was killed in a one-vehicle accident 1:50 a.m. today at MO 76 at Ridgely in Barry County.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 1997 GMC Sierra driven by Jerad D. Powell, 39, ran off the roadway and overturned, ejecting the driver. Powell was pronounced dead the scene at 2:11 a.m. by Barry County Coroner Jim Fohn.

The fatality was the 55th this year for Highway Patrol Troop D.

Springfield Police seeking information on armed robbery suspect

(From the Springfield Police Department)

At 4:18 a.m. today, the Springfield Police Department was dispatched to an armed robbery at Fast Trip, 1472 E. Kearney. The suspect entered the business, pointed a silver large frame revolver at the clerk and demanded money. The clerk complied with those demands, giving the suspect an undisclosed amount of cash. The suspect then exited the store and was last seen walking eastbound. The suspect was described as a white male with a thin build between 5 feet 2 inches and 5 feet 5 inches tall, and he was wearing a gray hoodie, light-colored pants and an American flag bandana covering his face.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call 417-864-1810.

Part of Route 59 to be closed in Anderson next week

(From MODOT)

Route 59 CLOSED at RR Tracks in Anderson

During Daytime Hours Tues. & Wed., July 29-30

MoDOT Traffic Alert: Where: Route 59 CLOSED at the railroad bridge in Anderson When: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, July 29-30.  The road will be OPEN at night What: Railroad crew repairing the railroad overpass Traffic Impacts: Route 59 will be CLOSED at the railroad bridge.  Drivers will be able to access driveways and entrances on either side of the closing. However, they will NOT be able to drive through the work zone.  Drivers are urged to find an alternate route. Weather and/or construction delays could postpone the work.

Springfield road closures for week of July 28

(From the City of Springfield)

• Robberson Avenue Closure
 Robberson Avenue between Walnut Street and Pershing Street will be closed beginning Monday, July 28, for utility work associated with the McDaniel Street Streetscape project. Motorists are advised to use alternate routes. Robberson Avenue should be reopened to traffic on Aug. 8, weather permitting. This project will continue the streetscape improvements on McDaniel Street as well as pedestrian enhancements on Robberson Avenue. The project will include the construction of sidewalks, lighting, and gas and water main relocations. Construction is expected to be complete by the end of November. The project is funded through the 1/4-Cent Capital Improvement Sales Tax. For more information, please contact Paula Brookshire at 417-864-1989.


• Oak Grove Avenue, Grand Street Closures
Oak Grove Avenue south of Grand Street will be closed 9 a.m.-noon on Monday, July 28. Grand Street west of Oak Grove Avenue will be closed noon-5 p.m. to allow for ditching along each roadway. Motorists are advised to use an alternate route. For more information, please contact Everett Kelley at 864-1965.


• LeCompte Avenue Reopening
LeCompte Avenue South of Kearney Street will reopen Monday, July 28. This project includes street widening with improvements also being made to the street grade itself, intersection improvements at Turner Street, storm sewer, sidewalk and utilities. This project was completed approximately two weeks ahead of schedule. For more information, please contact Mike Giles at 864-1930.

Rogersville couple indicted for selling $1 million worth of K2

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

Tammy Dickinson, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced today that a Rogersville, Mo., couple has been indicted by a federal grand jury for selling $1 million worth of synthetic marijuana, also known as K2, from their store.

Doy R. Case, 79, and his wife, Tressie L. Case, 67, both of Rogersville, were charged in a nine-count indictment returned under seal by a federal grand jury in Springfield, Mo., on Tuesday, July 22, 2014. That indictment was unsealed and made public today upon the arrests and initial court appearances of Doy and Tressie Case. They remain in federal custody pending a detention hearing on Friday, July 25, 2014.

The Cases own a business called Magic Dragon, 382 Redbud Street, Rogersville. According to court documents, the Cases received delivery of approximately 101,861 grams of synthetic cannabinoids between Sept. 15, 2010, and Nov. 13, 2012. They allegedly charged an average price of $10 per gram of synthetic cannabinoids; therefore, it appears they grossed approximately $1 million during this time frame. They allegedly deposited approximately $672,349 into bank accounts that they controlled.

The Cases were contacted by federal agents in August 2012, according to court documents, and told that the sale of synthetic cannabinoids was illegal. Agents gave the Cases the opportunity to voluntarily cease and desist, but they did not.

Court documents also allege that the Cases advertised their products to minor children. On at least seven occasions, they allegedly placed advertisements in high school yearbooks or with student organizations.

The federal indictment alleges that Doy and Tressie Case participated in a conspiracy between Sept. 15, 2010, and Nov. 13, 2012, to defraud the Food and Drug Administration and to defraud the public by falsely representing that a number of synthetic cannabinoid products were “herbal aromas,” “natural fragrances” or “incense” and “not for human consumption.” In reality, the indictment alleges, these substances were synthetic cannabinoids that contained compounds that were intended for human consumption as a drug. The Cases allegedly sent payments through the mail to purchase the illegal substances from several sources, which shipped their orders through a commercial carrier.

In addition to the mail fraud conspiracy, Doy and Tressie Case are charged together with participating in a conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance, three counts related to possessing a controlled substance with the intent to distribute and one count of maintaining a place for the purpose of storing and distributing a controlled substance.

The federal indictment also alleges that Doy and Tressie Case participated in a money-laundering conspiracy. According to the indictment, the Cases conspired to conduct financial transactions which involved the proceeds of unlawful activity (the mail fraud and drug-trafficking conspiracies). In addition to the conspiracy, Doy and Tressie Case are charged together in two counts of money laundering.

The indictment also contains a forfeiture allegation, which would require the Cases to forfeit to the government any property derived from the proceeds of the alleged offenses, including a money judgment of $672,349 related to the mail fraud conspiracy and a money judgment of $639,662 related to the drug-trafficking conspiracy.

Dickinson cautioned that the charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.

This case is being prosecuted by Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael S. Oliver. It was investigated by the Rogersville, Mo., Police Department, the Webster County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration and IRS-Criminal Investigation.

Tennessee man indicted for attempt to have sex with Lawrence County girl

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

Tammy Dickinson, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced that a Tennessee man was indicted by a federal grand jury today for enticing a minor victim to engage in illicit sexual activity in Lawrence County, Mo.

Dylan Wade Garcia, 28, of Huntingdon, Tenn., was charged in a three-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Springfield, Mo.

Today’s indictment alleges that Garcia used the Internet and a cell phone between June 9 and 26, 2014, to entice a minor under the age of 17 to engage in illicit sexual activity in Lawrence County. Garcia is also charged with one count of crossing state lines for the purpose of engaging in illicit sexual activity and one count of possessing child pornography.

Dickinson cautioned that the charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges 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 the Aurora-Marionville, Mo., Police Department and the Southwest Missouri Cyber Crimes Task Force.

Birthplace of Route 66 Concert sells out

(From the City of Springfield)

The Birthplace of Route 66 Concert, featuring the Ozark Mountain Daredevils at the Gillioz Theater Aug. 9, has sold out. In partnership with the band, the City of Springfield will present a live simulcast of the concert at Park Central Square. Video of the concert in the square will be projected on the City’s 16 x 30-foot screen. There is no charge for the event, and festival goers are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs.

“We really wanted to take the Birthplace of Route 66 Festival to a whole new level,” said Cora Scott, City of Springfield Director of Public Information & Civic Engagement. “We first approached Vance Hall at the Gillioz and Dwight Glenn Productions to encourage them to bring in high-quality entertainment for an evening concert. When they were able to book our first choice – the Daredevils – we pitched the idea of the outdoor concert broadcast in the event of a sellout to the band. They loved it.”

East outer road at First Street in Lamar to close for four months

(From MODOT)

The east outer road at First Street in Lamar will CLOSE beginning Tuesday, July 29 and lasting through mid-November, the Missouri Department of Transportation said.

The road is closing as part of the construction of a new bridge which will carry First Street over I-49.

Contractor crews will be replacing culverts and moving dirt for the new overpass.

Once closed, the road will be blocked to traffic at First Street for the duration of the project which is expected to be completed in November.

Signs and message boards will alert motorists to the closure. Drivers will continue to have access to homes and businesses on the outer road but may need to find alternative routes around the work zone. The closure of the road will have no impact on traffic along I-49.

The project is a partnership between MoDOT, Barton County, the cities of Lamar and Lamar Heights and the Barton County Ambulance District.

Weather and/or construction delays will alter the work schedule.

Project Information:

Prime Contractor: APAC-Missouri, Columbia

Construction cost: $2.3 million

Completion date: November 14, 2014

Springfield Park Board implementing new photo policy

(From the City of Springfield)

The Springfield-Greene County Park Board has implemented a new photography policy outlining how photographers and videographers may operate in public parks. 

The new policy is designed to preserve public enjoyment of parks by addressing issues specific to photography and videography, including the permitting process for professional and commercial photographers operating in public parks. The policy is available at http://www.parkboard.org/docs/photo_policy.pdf 

The policy includes two sections. The first applies to all photographers, with basic rules designed to protect parks from unintended damage during photo shoots, like standing in flowerbeds and hanging equipment from trees. The second section outlines the procedure for commercial and professional photographers to obtain Photo Passes. 

SWAT team catches Springfield man in bed with underage girl

A Greene County Sheriff's Department SWAT team caught a 23-year-old Springfield man in bed with an underage girl and if it hadn't arrived late, it would have found two girls in bed with him.

Tyler Coons faces five counts of statutory rape, one count of statutory sodomy, three counts of enticement of a child less than 15 years ago, and one count of attempted enticement of a child less than 15 years old.

Coons' bond was originally set at $175,000 and later reduced to $100,000 at the request of his attorney Dee Wampler and over the objection of the prosecuting attorney. Coons is under house arrest and is not allowed to access any social media.

According to the probable cause statement, it was a father watching over his teen daughter's Facebook account that started the events that led to Coons' arrest.

On a Facebook message Coons had sent to the man's daughter, he said he was 14 years old. The father noticed messages from Coons asking if he and the girl could "meet up so they could make out."

Coons also asked the girl to bring a friend, so the two of them could make out and then the girl could make out with Coons. Seeing those messages, the father, pretending to be his daughter, arranged a meeting with Coons at Horace Mann Elementary School in Springfield.

When the father arrived, he met with a man who said his name was Frank and that he was 19. He denied being Tyler Coons. The father told "Frank" not to have any more contact with his daughter. When he returned home, he checked Coons' Facebook page and determined that it was Coons he had met at the playground.

After that, the father took the information to the Greene County Sheriff's Department. The daughter said that Coons had claimed to be 14 years old and had sent her messages including "inappropriate things about sex that really grossed me out.'

The Sheriff's Department obtained a search warrant to go through Coons' Facebook activity from January 1 through June 20. "When I received the requested records, it was over 8,000 pages long, most of which consisted of private messages sent between Coons and young girls that stated their ages between 11 and 17." Coons invariably told the girls he was younger than his actual age.

In several of the conversations, Coons and the girls talked about sexual enounters they already had with two of the girls worried about the possibility of becoming pregnant.

One girl, obviously aware that Coons was older noted that their sexual encounter was illegal.

Coons responded, "Yeah, I know but I mean you gotta admit, it was hot."

One girl wrote that her "life would be done for if I am pregnant. I'll have to tell my parents. They'll have to know who. You'll go to jail."

In another message to an underage girl who thought she might be pregnant, Coons wrote, "In our defense, that would be a cute f-----g kid. Maybe we just wanted to make everyone jealous." He told her he knew she would be getting the worst of it "unless your parents sent me to jail 'cause of it."

On one occasion, Coons slipped.

"On April 7, 2014, Coons sent EB a message that asked, 'Wouldn't it be weird to have sex with a 23-year-old?' EB responded, 'Well, aren't you like 19?' Coons replied, 'Really. I thought I told you I was 23."

On July 10, when the swat team arrived to arrest Coons, it found him in bed with an underage girl, who told a deputy that earlier she and another underage girl had performed oral sex on Coons.

Coons explained his sexual activity to the Sheriff's Department, according to the probable cause statement. "He stated he told each of these girl that he was younger than he actually was so they 'wouldn't think I was a pedophile.' "

Part of Springfield's Grand Street to close tonight

(From the City of Springfield)

Utility relocations will require Grand Street between Jefferson Avenue and Kimbrough Avenue to close from 7 p.m. tonight until 6 a.m. Saturday, July 19. Motorists are advised to use an alternate route. These relocations are part of the Grand Street and Kimbrough Avenue intersection improvements.

Lawyer for Neosho councilman speaks about lawsuit against the city

A report from KOAM's Jordan Aubey KOAM TV 7

Ammunition explodes during Willard house fire

A report from KOLR News

Parents lead FBI to arrest former court bailiff for bank robbery

A former Greene County Circuit Court bailiff has been charged with the July 9 robbery of the Bank of America branch at 633 West Kearney Street and some of the information that led to his arrest came from his parents.

According to the probable cause affidavit filed today in U. S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri, Timothy Polodna was tabbed as the man who robbed the Bank of America branch at 633 Kearney Street, Springfield, July 9.

The affidavit is printed below:

Springfield Police to change response methods for auto accidents

(From the Springfield Police Department)

During the past harsh winter, the community likely noticed the Springfield Police Department (SPD) go into “emergency status” for traffic crash response. When this status is in effect, citizens involved in motor vehicle crashes are instructed to exchange information with other drivers involved and make a walk-in crash report as long as all involved vehicles are operable, there are no injuries present, and none of the involved drivers are alcohol or drug-impaired. There is no need to contact police in this situation during emergency status.

This protocol has allowed the SPD to wisely use its resources in times of a high call volume, and it has also caused the department to reevaluate its response to motor vehicle crashes on days when weather is not a factor.

Complete video- July 11 Springfield/Greene County Park Board meeting

Park Board Meeting - July 11, 2014 from SGF CityView on Vimeo.

Coffee with Springfield Police Chief scheduled

(From the Springfield Police Department)

Springfield Police Chief Paul Williams will be hosting "Coffee with the Chief" at 7 a.m. Thursday, July 17, at Classic Rock Coffee, 1900 W. Sunset. The purpose of the meeting is to encourage an open discussion between the public and the Chief. Anyone interested in asking questions or learning more about the Springfield Police Department is encouraged to attend.

Luster Avenue closing planned for Thursday

(From the City of Springfield)

Luster Avenue, north of Battlefield Road to Cambridge Street will be closed 7 a.m. -4:30 p.m., Tuesday, July 15 for pavement repair. Motorists are advised to use an alternate route.

Tennessee man pleads guilty to West Plains cargo theft

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

Tammy Dickinson, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced that a Memphis, Tenn., business owner pleaded guilty in federal court today to his role in a cargo theft scheme that included a theft in West Plains, Mo.

Earl Stanley Nunn, 59, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge David P. Rush to theft of an interstate shipment.

Nunn, the owner of Nu World Trucking, LLC, was the leader of a cargo theft ring that used the resources of Nu World Trucking to steal cargo in various states. They did so by “bob-tailing” (meaning they traveled in a road tractor truck, without a semi-trailer attached) through truck stops and service stations located on or near interstate highways, looking for semi-trailers that had been left parked and unattended, and were not coupled to road tractors. When they located a semi-trailer that appeared to be unattended, they would steal the semi-trailer and the goods it contained by coupling their road tractor truck to it and driving off. After having stolen a semi-trailer and its contents, they usually transported the stolen goods to the Chicago, Ill., and Detroit, Mich., areas to be “fenced” or sold.

Car hits, kills Springfield skateboarder

(From the Springfield Police Department)

At 6:56 p.m. Thursday, July 10, Springfield police were dispatched to a vehicle versus pedestrian crash at the intersection of Kansas Expressway and Nichols Street. 

Michelle S. Grant, 41, of Morrisville, Mo., was traveling northbound on Kansas Expressway driving a 2010 Lexus RX.

 Shane M. Clark-Tollefson, 22, of Springfield, was on a skateboard and entered the intersection from the northeast corner of Nichols in front of the Lexus SUV. He was transported to Mercy and pronounced dead shortly afterward. Next of kin has been notified. Grant has been fully cooperating with the investigation, which is ongoing.

Springfield Police: Escaped inmate may be dangerous

(From the Springfield Police Department)

An inmate who was in the being transported today from Strafford to Springfield escaped custody at about 7:15 p.m. in the area of Division and Sherman. Nicholas R. Gamblin (DOB 6-29-81) is a white male, 5 feet 6 inches tall, 135 pounds and he has four active warrants including first-degree tampering, first-degree assault, first-degree robbery and resisting arrest. Police have a perimeter set and are actively looking for Gamblin who may be dangerous. He is wearing black and gray striped inmate clothing, is handcuffed and has no shoes. He was last seen running southbound on Sherman.

If you have any information of his whereabouts, please call 911.

Highway Patrol stop nets 711 pounds of marijuana

A report from KOLR News

Aurora man charged with killing dog with axe pleads not guilty

A report from KOLR News

Springfield Police officer charged with assault in connection with shooting of panhandler

(From the Springfield Police Department)

As announced on May 9, two separate investigations would be conducted (as is SPD practice) after the officer-involved shooting that occurred that day. The SPD’s Criminal Investigation Division conducted its investigation and presented the case to the Greene County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for determination of possible criminal charges. Greene County Prosecuting Attorney Dan Patterson announced this morning that the shooting was not justified and charged Officer Jason Shuck with a Class A misdemeanor of assault in the third degree.

Parallel to that investigation, the SPD’s Inspections and Internal Affairs Unit conducted a separate investigation which focuses on the behavior and conduct of the employee as it relates to the performance of their duties, and in compliance with established rules and regulations. Once completed, the investigation will be reviewed by the officer’s chain of command and forwarded to the Chief of Police for a final determination. This internal investigation, and the process of reviewing the results of the investigation, is still underway.

(The following was the original May 9 press release from the Springfield Police Department.)

The Springfield Police Department was dispatched to Walmart Neighborhood Market at 1320 S. Glenstone Ave. in reference to an anonymous call to check a panhandling subject who may have outstanding warrants.

An officer responded to the location, and the subject ran away from the officer in the southeast direction toward Bennett St. The officer discharged his duty weapon and the subject sustained a gunshot wound. The officer then requested emergency medical services.

The subject has been identified as Eric David Butts, 26, of Springfield. He is on probation and parole for burglary and has a second-degree felony burglary warrant out of Greene County and a municipal traffic warrant out of Springfield. Butts is in police custody while being treated at a hospital.

The Criminal Investigation Division and Investigation and Internal Affairs Unit are both conducting investigations. The officer, who has been with the SPD for 11 years, is now on paid administrative leave. No further information regarding either investigation is available at this time.

Mayor: The City of Springfield is strong and getting stronger

(From the City of Springfield)

More than 300 attendees gathered to hear Mayor Bob Stephens share his views this morning about the state of Springfield during the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce’s Good Morning Springfield! at the Mediacom Ice Park at 635 E. Trafficway.

Mayor Stephens said that the state of the City is strong, and getting stronger.

“Our city continues to emerge from the recession. Construction jobs, both private and public, are being worked all over town. As of April 2014, our unemployment rate is at 5.1 percent and continues to be significantly lower than either the national or the state unemployment rate. And in the past two years, we have added 3,300 jobs in our MSA,” he said.

Mayor Stephens said the Springfield community is known for working together.

“… folks from all parts of the community continue to work together to solve problems other cities haven’t even thought about yet and, in some cases, accomplish things that other communities only dream about,” he said.

He cited the passing the renewal of the Police/Fire Pension Sales Tax in April as an example.

“… last April, Springfield voters voted to finish the job of funding our Police/Fire Pension Plan by strongly passing the renewal of the ¾-cent sales tax for another five years. The margin was by an almost 77 percent positive vote—demonstrating that voters had confidence in our city government and that this tax revenue would be handled properly.”

“Prior to that, last year, voters had approved—by a similarly large 74% margin—the ¼-cent Capital Expenditures sales tax. This is the tax that helps build additional left-turn lanes, widens roads, add sidewalks, bike paths and trees, and repair City buildings as well as other capital improvements throughout the community. The fact that Springfield approved two tax renewals—one passing by 74 percent and the other passing with a 76 percent margin—clearly demonstrates that the goal Council established in 2009 of restoring faith in local government and building social capital within our community is continuing to be successfully met.”

Mayor Stephens addressed the fact that Springfield’s violent crime numbers are up from previous years, yet praised the Springfield Police Department for its proactive approach to address the problems.

“… overall crime dropped 19 percent for the first quarter. A report for the second quarter should be out by the end of this month, but preliminary numbers show a continuing downward trend,” he said.

“The highest number of violent crimes are committed by people who know their victims, rather than being simply random crimes. The harsh, stark truth is that we are in far more danger statistically from people we live with or work with than we are from some random shooting or mugging.”

In closing, Mayor Stephens said, “Springfield is strong; it is vibrant; it is dealing with its problems; and it is preparing for the future. We have things to work on and we have many, many things to celebrate. So, until this time next year, may Springfield live long and prosper!”

Woman to Lebanon police: I thought this naked boy was 18

A woman caught having sex in a car behind Lebanon High School insisted to police that she had no idea her partner was only 15 years old.

Natalie Westefeld, 25, Fort Leonard Wood, is charged with three counts of statutory rape and three counts of statutory sodomy. She was arraigned today in Laclede County Circuit Court.


Lebanon police found her and the boy naked in the back seat of Westefeld’s car in a parking lot behind Lebanon High School about 2:20 a.m. last Saturday. At the time, Westefeld told police that her lover was 20 years old.

The probable cause statement against Westefeld says she and the boy said they met at an online dating site called Badoo. The boy told police that he lied when he registered on the site and said he was 20 years old. After the two of them started messaging each other, the boy said, he told Westefeld that he was 15, going on 16, and she “agreed to talk to him via text but only as a friend.”

Both of them, according to the probable cause statement, said they’d met and had sexual relations three times – approximately June 15, June 30, and then July 5. Each time was shortly after midnight, when the teen sneaked out of his home and Westefeld picked him up near his home. After their trysts behind the high school, she dropped him off near his home and drove back to her home, she told police.

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Aurora man: I beat my dog to death with an axe because it was starving

An Aurora man is charged with two felonies, animal abuse and armed criminal action, in connection with the bludgeoning death of his dog.

According to the Aurora Police Department probable cause statement, Mark Rickman, 51, says he killed the dog because it was starving. The statement indicates there was evidence that indicated the dog was healthy before Rickman took an axe to it.

Rickman's first hearing on the case is scheduled for 9 a.m. Thursday at the Justice Center in Mt. Vernon.

The run-in with the law is not the first for Rickman, who has had numerous dealings with the Aurora Police Department in the past.