Springfield man sentenced to 20 years for meth conspiracy

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

A Springfield, Missouri, man has been sentenced in federal court for his role in a conspiracy to distribute large amounts of methamphetamine.

Ronald A. Stone, 52, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Bough on Friday, Sept. 25, to 20 years in federal prison without parole.

On May 16, 2019, Stone pleaded guilty to participating in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in Greene County, Missouri, from March 30 to Aug. 30, 2017. Stone also pleaded guilty to possessing methamphetamine to distribute and to possessing firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking.

Springfield police officers executed a search warrant at Stone’s residence on March 30, 2017, and seized a Hi Point 9mm semi-automatic pistol, a Crown Royal bag that contained rounds of 9mm ammunition, and 7.61 grams of methamphetamine.

Officers executed another search warrant at Stone’s residence on Aug. 19, 2017, and seized a distributive amount of methamphetamine, a loaded Taurus .39-caliber revolver, a loaded Vega .45-caliber semi-automatic pistol, and $5,661.

On Aug. 29, 2017, a confidential informant reported that Stone was preparing to travel to the Kansas City area to buy methamphetamine. DEA agents conducted surveillance of Stone as he traveled to Peculiar, Missouri, where he met an unknown man in a Denny’s parking lot. During his return trip to Springfield, Missouri State Highway Patrol troopers stopped the vehicle and conducted a search. They seized three large bags that contained a total of approximately 6.8 pounds of methamphetamine.

Stone is the second defendant to be sentenced in this case. Co-defendant Carol A. Hardy, also known as Carol A. Johnson, 51, also pleaded guilty to her role in the drug-trafficking conspiracy and was sentenced on Dec. 14, 2018, to 20 years in federal prison without parole. Law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Hardy’s residence and found 1.766 kilograms of methamphetamine in a safe on the floor of a bedroom closet.

Co-defendant Richard G. Wacker, 61, pleaded guilty to his role in the drug-trafficking conspiracy and awaits sentencing. Wacker admitted that he traveled to Kansas City on several occasions to purchase a half-pound of methamphetamine. After making two trips with Stone, according to Wacker’s plea agreement, Stone began making the trips to Kansas City without Wacker every two to three days. Stone purchased two pounds on each trip, one pound for himself and one pound for Wacker.

Two days after Stone’s arrest, Wacker drove from Kansas City to Oklahoma City, where he purchased five kilograms of methamphetamine for $45,000. Wacker admitted that he had traveled to Oklahoma City to purchase five kilograms of methamphetamine on two earlier occasions.

Wacker also admitted that he distributed pound quantities of methamphetamine to co-defendant Herbert R. Dinger, 65, of Springfield. Dinger pleaded guilty to his role in the drug-trafficking conspiracy and awaits sentencing.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nhan D. Nguyen and Josephine L. Stockard. It was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Missouri State Highway Patrol and the Springfield, Mo., Police Department.

Forsyth woman killed in ATV accident

A Forsyth woman was killed in a one-vehicle accident 10:50 p.m. Friday at Dickens Circle, a half mile east of Taneyville.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2019 Honda Rubicon driven by Victoria E. Rogers, 29, Forsyth, overturned, ejecting Rogers.

Taney County Coroner Tony Mullen pronounced Rogers dead at the scene at 11:38 p.m.

The fatality was the 89th this year for Highway Patrol Troop D.

Murder, arson charges filed against Springfield man in connection with death of woman in house fire

(From the Springfield Police Department)

On September 21, 2020, at 10:33 p.m., the Springfield Fire Department and the Springfield Police Department were dispatched to 1736 W. Lombard for the report of a house fire.

When first responders arrived, the residence was engulfed in flames. Springfield Fire Department personnel entered the home and located a deceased female inside.

Circumstances surrounding the death of the female appeared to be suspicious. The Springfield Police Department, with assistance from the Springfield Fire Department, conducted a death investigation and determined the victim died from injuries not related to the fire. 

The victim was identified as Alice Hale, a 66-year-old female from Springfield, Missouri. Next of kin notifications have been made.

A suspect in the homicide was identified as Pavel Samsinak, a 46-year-old male from Springfield. On Wednesday, September 23, 2020, Samsinak was arrested by Springfield Police Officers.

On Thursday, September 24, 2020, the Greene County Prosecutors Office filed charges of second-degree murder, second-degree arson, armed criminal action, and tampering with physical evidence. Samsinak is currently being held in the Greene County Jail without a bond. The Greene County Prosecutor’s Office 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.

Detectives continue to investigate and are asking anyone who has information about this incident to contact the Springfield Police Department at 417-864-1810 or make an anonymous call to Crime Stoppers at 417-869- TIPS (8477).

This marks the 19th violent death in Springfield in 2020. Fourteen of those have been determined to be Murder under the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) rules, one was classified as Negligent Manslaughter, and another was ruled justified after review by the Greene County Prosecutor. Three others, remain under investigation to determine the appropriate classification.

Arcola man airlifted to Mercy Springfield following crash on 215

An Arcola man was injured in a one-vehicle accident 11:20 a.m. today on MO 215, two miles west of Bona.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2019 Nissan Sentra driven by Darrian R. Koch, 52, Arcola, traveled off the right side of the roadway, struck a driveway embankment, became airborne, struck the ground and overturned.

Koch was airlifted to Mercy Hospital, Springfield, to be treated for serious injuries.

Forsyth child molester sentenced to 20 years on child porn charges

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

A prior sex offender in Forsyth, Missouri, was sentenced in federal court today for receiving and distributing child pornography.

Timothy Wayne Carnelison Jr., 35, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Brian C. Wimes to 20 in federal prison without parole. The court also sentenced Carnelison to spend the rest of his life on supervised release following incarceration. Carnelison will be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison and will be subject to federal and state sex offender registration requirements, which may apply throughout his life.

Carnelison, who was sentenced as a prior sex offender, has two prior convictions for statutory sodomy in the first degree and a prior conviction for child molestation.

On Feb. 20, 2020, Carnelison pleaded guilty to receiving and distributing child pornography.

The investigation began when Google initiated a CyberTip with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children after locating files of suspected child pornography in Carnelison’s Google Photo application. Investigators confirmed the child pornography and, on Sept. 24, 2019, executed a search warrant at Carnelison’s residence. They found images of child pornography on his cell phone.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ami Harshad Miller. It was investigated by Immigration and Custom Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Southwest Missouri Cybercrime Task Force.

El Dorado Springs woman sentenced to 18 years for sexual exploitation of a child, making child pornography

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

An El Dorado Springs, Missouri, woman and a North Plainfield, New Jersey, man were sentenced in federal court today for producing child pornography.

Amanda Errin Hunt, 41, and Daniel Thomas Baggott, 38, each were sentenced by U.S. District Judge Brian C. Wimes to 18 years and four months in federal prison without parole. The court also sentenced Hunt and Baggott to spend the rest of their lives on supervised release following incarceration. They will be required to register as sex offenders upon their release from prison and will be subject to federal and state sex offender registration requirements, which may apply throughout their lives.

On Oct. 21, 2019, Baggott pleaded guilty to one count of child sexual exploitation and one count of the coercion and enticement of a minor. On Sept. 16, 2019, Hunt also pleaded guilty to one count of child sexual exploitation and one count of the coercion and enticement of a minor.

The investigation began when Facebook initiated a CyberTip with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children on April 7, 2019. Facebook reported that Hunt and Baggott exchanged images of child pornography through Facebook Messenger. Investigators also discovered sexually explicit messages, along with shared images of child pornography, between Hunt, Baggott, and the 15-year-old victim, identified in court documents as “Jane Doe.”

Baggott admitted that he met Hunt and Jane Doe through PlayStation Home approximately 12 years ago. The first time he went to visit them in El Dorado Springs was approximately six or seven years ago. Baggott admitted to requesting sexually explicit images and videos of Jane Doe. He stated this started approximately a year and a half ago and it became a regular occurrence.

Hunt admitted to taking sexually explicit images of Jane Doe and asking Jane Doe to take sexually explicit images that Baggott requested. Hunt also admitted to sending Baggott the sexually explicit images of Jane Doe and engaging in the sexual chat messages in Facebook Messenger with Baggott regarding Jane Doe. Hunt advised that Baggott had come to Missouri at least once a year since 2014.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ami Harshad Miller. It was investigated by Immigration and Custom Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Southwest Missouri Cybercrime Task Force, and the New Jersey Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.

Sparta man sentenced to 14 years for leading meth distribution conspiracy

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

A Sparta, Missouri, man was sentenced in federal court today for leading a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in Christian County, Mo.

Travis W. Robinson, 40, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Brian C. Wimes to 14 years in federal prison without parole.

On March 11, 2020, Robinson pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possessing methamphetamine to distribute on premises in which a minor resides.

Robinson came to the attention of law enforcement in August 2016 as a distributor of methamphetamine in the southwest Missouri area. Law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Robinson’s residence and seized approximately 47.32 grams of methamphetamine, $7,628, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia. At the time the warrant was executed, Robinson’s young child was located in the living room of the residence.

In June 2017, a confidential informant told law enforcement that his/her source of methamphetamine had acquired anywhere from one-fourth of an ounce to one-fourth of a pound of methamphetamine from Robinson each week and had been doing so for several years.

Robinson imported methamphetamine to southwest Missouri, which he provided to co-conspirators for them to further distribute. Co-conspirators also assisted with activities related to drug distribution, including the collection of drug debts.

Robinson is the first defendant to be sentenced in this case. Co-defendant Candace L. Medlock, 34, of Nixa, Missouri, has pleaded guilty to her role in the conspiracy and awaits sentencing.

Springfield police, fire departments investigating suspicious death of woman in house fire on West Lombard

(From the Springfield Police Department)

On September 21, 2020, at 10:33 p.m., the Springfield Fire Department and the Springfield Police Department were dispatched to 1736 W. Lombard for the report of a house fire. 

When first responders arrived, the residence was engulfed in flames. Springfield Fire Department personnel entered the home and located a deceased female inside. 

Circumstances surrounding the death of the female appear to be suspicious.

 

The Springfield Police Department, with assistance from the Springfield Fire Department, is conducting a death investigation as well as an investigation into the cause of the fire.

The victim has been identified as Alice Hale, a 66-year-old female from Springfield, Missouri. Next of kin notifications have been made.

Detectives continue to investigate and are asking anyone who has information about this incident to contact the Springfield Police Department at 417-864-1810 or make an anonymous call to Crime Stoppers at 417-869- TIPS (8477).

Complete video- Springfield City Council meeting

 

Springfield Police Department mourns passing of long time Police Chief Troy Majors

(From the Springfield Police Department)

It is with heavy hearts that we share with the community the death of former Springfield Police Department Chief Troy Majors. 

Chief Majors was named Chief of Police in 1980 and served the Springfield community until 1990. According to his family, he often commented that the best part of being the Chief of Police was getting to meet so many wonderful people.

Before coming to Springfield, Chief Majors served at the Kansas City Police Department where he ascended through the ranks to Major. 

During his time with the KCPD, he most enjoyed his assignments as a motorcycle officer, Property Crimes and Human Resources Commander. Chief Majors retired after 22 years of service with the KCPD and began his career with SPD soon after. After 10 years at SPD, Chief Majors and his wife Betty returned to the Kansas City area in 1990.

Chief Majors is remembered as a kind soul who always had a joke to tell. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, two brothers, five children and 15 grandchildren. Chief Majors was 82 years old at the time of his passing. Services will be held Saturday, Sept 26, 2020, at Pleasant Valley Baptist Church. 1600 Route 291, Liberty Missouri.

I-44 to be reduced to one lane near Mount Vernon

(From MODOT)

TRAFFIC ALERT: I-44 Reduced to One Eastbound Lane at Lawrence CR 1147 (MM 46) Sept. 23-25

What: I-44 traffic reduced to one eastbound lane over Lawrence County Road 1147 near Mile Marker 46 at Mt. Vernon for pavement repair

When: 8 p.m. Wednesday, September 23, until noon, Friday September 25

Traffic Impacts

-I-44 reduced to one eastbound lane near Mile Marker 46

-All ramps at Exit 46 will remain OPEN

-Speed limit reduced to 60 mph through work zone

-No signed detour

-Drivers should look for alternate route

-Details: This is part of the larger I-44 Project Bridge Rebuild project to replace or rehabilitate 13 bridges along I-44 between Sarcoxie and Halltown. For more information, click here.

Weather and/or construction delays will alter the schedule.

Aurora man killed in car-motorcycle collision on Glenstone

(From the Springfield Police Department)

On Friday, September 18, 2020, at 8:50 p.m., officers with the Springfield Police Department responded to the 2100 block of north Glenstone regarding a motor vehicle crash involving a 2012 Ford Focus and a 2005 Kawasaki Vulcan motorcycle.

The initial investigation indicated the motorcycle was traveling at a high rate of speed south on Glenstone. 

The Ford exited a parking lot onto Glenstone and into the path of the motorcycle where a collision occurred. 

The driver of the motorcycle, 22-year-old Shaughn Adams, of Aurora, MO, was transported to an area hospital where he died from injuries related to the crash. He was wearing a non-DOT approved helmet. Next of kin has been notified.

Officers with the department’s Traffic Section are continuing to investigate the circumstances involved in the crash. Speed seems to be a contributing factor in this crash. This is the 15th fatality motor vehicle crash and the 17th total crash-related death of 2020 for Springfield.

Springfield man killed in car-motorcycle collision on West Kearney

(From the Springfield Police Department)

On September 19, 2020, at 8:04 p.m., officers with the Springfield Police Department responded to the 1200 block of West Kearney regarding a motor vehicle crash involving a 1996 Chevrolet Tahoe and a 2008 Honda CBR 600 motorcycle.

The initial investigation indicated the motorcycle was westbound on Kearney and struck the Tahoe as the Tahoe turned north from eastbound Kearney into a business on the north side of the roadway. 

The driver of the motorcycle, 27-year-old Maurice Coret, of Springfield, MO, was transported to an area hospital where he died from injuries related to the crash. 

Coret was wearing a DOT-approved helmet at the time of the crash. Next of kin has been notified.

Officers with the department’s Traffic Section are continuing to investigate the circumstances involved in the crash. Speed seems to be a contributing factor in this crash. 

This is the 16th fatality motor vehicle crash and the 18th total crash-related death of 2020 for Springfield.

Springfield Police investigating shooting death at apartment complex at 414 E. Harrison

(From the Springfield Police Department)

On September 18, 2020, at 9:12 p.m., Springfield Police were dispatched to 414 E. Harrison after a 911 caller heard gunshots and located an injured person. 

When officers arrived, they found a male subject in the parking lot of the apartment complex who had suffered a gunshot wound. The male was transported to a local hospital, where he later died.

The victim was identified as Kenneth Wright, a 19-year-old male from Springfield, Missouri. Next of kin notifications have been made. A suspect has not been identified at this time.

Detectives continue to investigate and are asking anyone who has information about this incident to contact the Springfield Police Department at 417-864-1810 or make an anonymous call to Crime Stoppers at 417-869-TIPS (8477).

This marks the 18th violent death in Springfield in 2020. Thirteen of those have been determined to be Murder under the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) rules, one was classified as Negligent Manslaughter, and another was ruled justified after review by the Greene County Prosecutor. 

This case, as well as two others, remain under investigation to determine the appropriate classification.

Two people killed in boat collision on Table Rock Lake

Two Gentry, Arkansas residents were killed in a collision between boats 7:40 a.m. today on Table Rock Lake, three quarters of a mile west of Point 24.

According to the Highway Patrol report, an unknown factor caused a 1993 Ranger 392V driven by Ted S. Dossett, 55, Gentry, Arkansas to cross the path of a 2018 Bass Cat Caracal driven by William B. Ward, 65, Shell Knob, with the Ward vessel striking the the front part of the Dossett vessel.

Dossett and a 14-year-old boy, also of Gentry, Arkansas were pronounced dead at the scene by Barry County Coroner Gary Swearingen at 9:05 a.m.

The fatalities were the fourth and fifth boating fatalities this year for Highway Patrol Troop D.

Forsyth woman killed in head-on collision on 76

A Forsyth woman was killed in a two-vehicle collision 9:42 p.m. Thursday on MO 76, four miles east of Branson.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2008 Chevrolet HHR driven by Tammy L. Shofner, 39, Forsyth, crossed the center line and struck a 1998 Nissan pickup driven by Jesus Luevano, 53, Branson, head on.

A passenger in the Shofner vehicle, Hope N. Shofner, 33, Forsyth, was pronounced dead at 10:01 p.m. by Dr. Amanda Datar at Cox Hospital in Branson.

Tammy Shofner was treated for moderate injuries at Mercy Hospital, Springfield.

Luevano suffered minor injuries.

The fatality was the 81st this year for Highway Patrol Troop D.

Reeds Spring man killed in head-on collision

A Reeds Spring man was killed in a two-vehicle collision 1:41 p.m. today on Keystone Road, two miles east of Reeds Spring.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2001 Suzuki GSF 1200 driven by Joshua D. Beasley, 35, Reeds Spring, was southbound in the northbound lane when it struck a 2019 Dodge 5500 driven by Samuel J. Cady, 33, Springfield, head on.

Stone County Coroner Jerry Jenkins pronounced Beasley dead at the scene at 2:32 p.m.

The fatality was the 78th this year for Highway Patrol Troop D.

Monett man seriously injured in motorcycle crash

A Monett man was injured in a one-vehicle accident 2:40 p.m. Friday on Route DD, six miles southeast of Monett.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2005 Suzuki JSXR-600 motorcycle driven by Zachary J. Indovina, 28, Monett, traveled off the left side of the road, overturned and struck a tree.

Indovina was treated for serious injuries at Cox South Hospital, Springfield.

Complete video of Springfield City Council meeting provided

 

Monett schools under lockdown as police pursue Purdy man, stolen Joplin handgun recovered

(From the Monett Police Department) 

On Tuesday, 9-8-2020 at 3:55 p.m., a Monett officer attempted to stop a vehicle for a traffic violation. 

The vehicle turned into an alley near 9th and Park Street. The passenger fled the scene.

The driver was taken into custody at the scene of the traffic stop. Numerous Monett police officers responded to the area assisting with the search.

The search area was near several Monett Schools. The Monett school resource officers worked with Monett School District officials to lock down the following school facilities for 14 minutes:

Central Park Elementary 

Monett Intermediate School

Monett Middle School 

Football Stadium that had students present

This action was a precaution as there was no direct threat to any school, students or staff.

With the help of information provided by citizens, the suspect was located near 4th and Birch and taken into custody without further incident at 4:22 p.m.

During the investigation, drugs, paraphernalia and a stolen handgun were recovered. The handgun was confirmed stolen from the City of Joplin.

The driver, William Cutshall, white, male, 51-year-old of Purdy and the passenger, Dwight Liggett, white, male, 43-year-old of Purdy, were taken into custody. Both persons are being held at the Monett City Jail pending the filing of formal charges by the Lawrence County prosecuting attorney.

Hollister woman killed, two seriously injured in golf cart accident

A Hollister woman was killed and two people injured in a one-vehicle accident 7:44 p.m. Sunday on Emerald Point Drive, three miles south of Hollister.

According to the Highway Patrol report, an EZ Go golf cart driven by Carol M. Rhodes, 58, Des Moines, Iowa, was driving along Emerald Point Drive when Rhodes lost control and the cart overturned, ejecting her and both passengers.

A passenger, Donna H. Young, 75, Hollister, was pronounced dead at Cox South Hospital, Springfield, at 9:30 p.m.

Rhodes and the other passenger, Sandra J. Harris, 68, Grimes, Iowa, were taken to Cox with serious injuries.

Springfield Police investigating pedestrian fatality on North Old Orchard Avenue

(From the Springfield Police Department)

On Sept. 5, 2020, at 2:02 a.m., officers with the Springfield Police Department responded to the 1900 block of North Old Orchard Avenue regarding a motor vehicle crash involving a 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 pickup and a pedestrian. 

The initial investigation indicated the Dodge pickup was backing eastbound out of the driveway of a residence in the 1900 block of North Old Orchard Avenue when it struck a pedestrian, identified as 44-year-old Trampus Bell, of Springfield, MO, who was walking behind the pickup in the residence’s driveway. 

 Bell was transported to an area hospital where he died from injuries related to the crash.

Officers with the department’s Traffic Section are continuing to investigate the circumstances involved in the crash. Next of kin has been notified. There is evidence of impairment regarding this crash. 

 This is the 14th fatality motor vehicle crash and the 16th total crash-related death of 2020 for Springfield.

Springfield man killed in crash, 16-year-old Exeter girl airlifted to Mercy

A Springfield man was killed and a 16-year-old Exeter girl seriously injured in a single-vehicle crash 6:05 p.m. Friday on Farm Road 2175, five miles west of Exeter.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2002 Ford F-150 driven by Cody J. Sanders, 25, Springfield, traveled off the left side of the roadway and overturned.

Sanders was pronounced dead at the scene at 6:45 p.m.

The passenger, a 16-year-old, was flown to Mercy Hospital, Springfield, with serious injuries.

The fatality was the 74th this year for Highway Patrol Troop D.

Springfield man sentenced to 17 years on child pornography charges

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

A Springfield, Missouri, man was sentenced in federal court today for receiving and distributing child pornography.

Marco Barraza, 28, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Roseann Ketchmark to 17 years and six months in federal prison without parole. 

The court also sentenced Barraza to 20 years of supervised release following incarceration and ordered him to pay $39,000 in restitution to his victims. Barraza will be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison and will be subject to federal and state sex offender registration requirements, which may apply throughout his life.

On Oct. 29, 2019, Barraza was found guilty at trial of one count of receiving and distributing child pornography.

Law enforcement investigators received two reports from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that Barraza had transmitted images of child pornography through chat sessions on his Tumblr account in September 2016. Officers executed a search warrant at Barraza’s residence on March 16, 2017, and seized numerous computer-related property, including three cell phones and two hard drives that had been removed from laptop computers. Those devices contained approximately 600 images of child pornography.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney James J. Kelleher and Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Randall D. Eggert. It was investigated by the Southwest Missouri Cybercrimes Task Force, Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Springfield, Mo., Police Department, and the Barry County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department.

Springfield Police investigating shooting death of man at 2257 N. Robberson

(From the Springfield Police Department)

On September 1, 2020, at 12:19 p.m., Springfield police were dispatched to 2257 N. Robberson after a citizen heard gunshots from the residence and called 911. When officers arrived, they found a deceased male subject inside the residence with apparent gunshot wounds.

The victim was identified as Shad Brown, a 39-year-old male from Springfield, Missouri, and next of kin notifications were made.

Investigators were initially searching for a U-Haul truck in relation to this case, but that vehicle has been located and is no longer being sought.

Detectives continue to investigate and are asking anyone who has information about this incident to contact the Springfield Police Department at 417-864-1810 or make an anonymous call to Crime Stoppers at 417-869-TIPS (8477)