Springfield man pleads guilty to bank robbery

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

A Springfield, Mo., man who was identified when his photo was broadcast by local TV stations pleaded guilty in federal court today to bank robbery.

Charles Edgar King Jr., 57, pleaded guilty before U.S. Chief Magistrate Judge David P. Rush to one count of bank robbery.

By pleading guilty today, King admitted that he used a note to steal $8,815 from Guaranty Bank, 2109 N. Glenstone Ave., in Springfield, on July 10, 2021.

King entered the bank at about 10:30 a.m. and went straight to a teller counter, where he handed the teller a handwritten note that read, “I have a gun this is a robbery.” The teller handed over cash and King left the bank and walked away through a parking lot.

Surveillance cameras in the bank captured good quality video, which show King, who was not wearing a mask, and images of his bare hands that show a tattoo of a cross on the back of his right middle finger. 

On the same day as the robbery, July 10, 2021, the FBI released one of the surveillance images to the media and requested assistance from the public in identifying the bank robber. King’s former probation officer saw the media coverage and contacted the FBI the same day and identified King.

On July 19, 2021, an anonymous source contacted law enforcement with a tip that King was staying at the Springfield Inn near Kearney and North Glenstone in Springfield. Springfield police detectives and FBI agents conducted surveillance on the hotel and saw King leave the hotel driving a purple Scion Cube with no license plate. 

Springfield police officers conducted a car stop and detained King on an investigative arrest for robbery.

King told an FBI agent that he used the stolen money to buy the used Scion Cube for $2,400, and that he gave some of the money away and spent the rest.

Under federal statutes, King is subject to a sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Carney. It was investigated by the Springfield, Mo., Police Department and the FBI.

***

Two children, two brutal murders, two small Missouri towns that will never be the same.

Lost Angels: The Murders of Rowan Ford and Doug Ringler is available at Always Buying Books, Changing Hands Book Shoppe and The Book Guy in Joplin and can be purchased in paperback or e-book from Amazon.

Signed copies of Lost Angels can be purchased at the PayPal button below or by sending $25, including sales tax and shipping, to Randy Turner, 2306 E. 8th, Apt. A, Joplin, MO 64801.

Aurora man, two others indicted in SW Missouri meth conspiracy

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

Three defendants were indicted by a federal grand jury today for their roles in a conspiracy to distribute large amounts of methamphetamine in southwest Missouri after law enforcement officers seized approximately 29 pounds of methamphetamine.

Brian E. Hall, 44, of Aurora, Mo., and Jacqueline Aldrete Bojorquez, 28, and Jeffrey L. Hughley, 37, whose addresses are unknown, were charged in a six-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City, Mo. Today’s indictment replaces a federal criminal complaint that was filed on May 2.

According to an affidavit filed in support of the original criminal complaint, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Hall’s residence on April 28, 2022, as part of an ongoing methamphetamine investigation. Officers seized seven pounds of methamphetamine, a Taurus 9mm semi-automatic pistol, approximately $57,000 in cash, and drug paraphernalia used for the packaging and sale of methamphetamine.

When Bojorquez and Hughley arrived at Hall’s residence later that night, they were taken into custody as well. Officers searched their vehicle and found approximately 22 pounds of methamphetamine in the trunk and a Taurus 9mm semi-automatic pistol in the floorboard of the front passenger seat.

Today’s indictment charges Hall, Bojorquez, and Hughley with participating in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in Barry County and elsewhere from Jan. 1 to April 28, 2022.

In addition to the drug-trafficking conspiracy, Hall is charged with one count of possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute, one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. 

Bojorquez and Hughley are charged together in one count of possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute and one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime.

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 Jessica R. Eatmon. It was investigated by the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Ozarks Drug Enforcement Team, the Barry County, Mo., Sheriff’s Office, and the Stone County, Mo., Sheriff’s Office.

***

Two children, two brutal murders, two small Missouri towns that will never be the same.

Lost Angels: The Murders of Rowan Ford and Doug Ringler is available at Always Buying Books, Changing Hands Book Shoppe and The Book Guy in Joplin and can be purchased in paperback or e-book from Amazon.

Signed copies of Lost Angels can be purchased at the PayPal button below or by sending $25, including sales tax and shipping, to Randy Turner, 2306 E. 8th, Apt. A, Joplin, MO 64801.

Route 174 Bridge over I-44 in Lawrence County to be closed

(From MODOT)

Route 174 Bridge Over I-44 to CLOSE Week of June 13 to Replace Superstructure

Contractor crews are set to CLOSE the Missouri Route 174 bridge over I-44 east of Mt. Vernon for up to 100 days the week of June 13 to replace the bridge’s superstructure, the Missouri Department of Transportation said.

Crews will demolish the existing bridge deck/driving surface and beams, leaving the piers and foundation in place to be re-used in the new structure. 

In addition, the contractor will add new barrier walls, guardrail at the ends of the bridge, fiber reinforced polymer wraps on the existing piers for added strength and longevity, an upgraded drainage system and new permanent striping.

The bridge also will be raised to meet the current interstate clearance requirement of 16 feet six inches and widened to accommodate two 12-foot-wide lanes with two foot wide shoulders.

Traffic Impacts

All lanes of Route 174 will be CLOSED over I-44 for up to 100 days

Drivers will have access to driveways and entrances on either end of the bridge, but will not be able to drive through the work zone

All on- and off-ramps at Exit 49 will remain OPEN

Drivers will be directed along a signed detour: 

Westbound Route 174 detoured east along I-44 to Lawrence County Route Z/O (Exit 58) near Halltown, then westbound on I-44 to westbound Route 174

Eastbound Route 174 detoured west along I-44 to Missouri Route 39 (Exit 46) near Mt. Vernon, then eastbound on I-44 to Route 174

Short nightly lane closures can be expected along I-44 throughout the duration of the closure

Signs and message boards will alert drivers approaching the work zone

Drivers should consider alternate routes during the project

Check MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map for road closings/traffic impacts

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

This bridge was built in 1964 as one of the bridges built during the original construction of I-44 through Lawrence County. Approximately 3,000 vehicles cross the bridge daily.

All work in 2022 will be in Lawrence County, where crews will replace five (5) bridges and rehabilitate four (4) others.

More information about this project can be found on the project website – I-44 Corridor Bridge Bundle.

Project Details

Prime Contractor – The ESS TeamEmery Sapp & Sons, Inc. – Columbia
Parsons Transportation Group, Inc. – St. Louis
Total Project Cost: $43.2 million
Contract Completion Date: September 30, 2024

The ESS Team is a partnership of engineering and construction firms that will design and construct the project with oversight by MoDOT and the Federal Highway Administration.

Warrant issued for husband's arrest in fatal shooting of Springfield woman

(From the Springfield Police Department)

On May 28, 2022, at approximately 10:25 p.m., the Springfield Police Department responded to 2652 S. Glenview Ave., to investigate a shooting. 

When officers arrived, they located a female who had suffered a gunshot wound. The female was transported to a local hospital for treatment but succumbed to her injuries.

 

The victim was identified as Ada Hodgkins, 42, from Springfield. Hodgkins’ family has been notified.

The Springfield Police Department's Homicide Unit identified the victim’s husband, Jacob Hodgkins, a 32-year-old male from Springfield, as the suspect in the case.

On May 29, 2022, a Greene County Arrest Warrant was issued for 2nd Degree Murder on Jacob Hodgkins. He should be considered armed and dangerous.

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).

***

Two children, two brutal murders, two small Missouri towns that will never be the same.

Lost Angels: The Murders of Rowan Ford and Doug Ringler is available at Always Buying Books, Changing Hands Book Shoppe and The Book Guy in Joplin and can be purchased in paperback or e-book from Amazon.

Signed copies of Lost Angels can be purchased at the PayPal button below or by sending $25, including sales tax and shipping, to Randy Turner, 2306 E. 8th, Apt. A, Joplin, MO 64801.

Bolivar man killed in crash on 32

A Bolivar man was killed in a one-vehicle accident 5:48 a.m. today on MO 32, two miles west of Bolivar.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2005 Dodge Stratus driven by William M. Dickey, 38, Bolivar, crossed the center of the roadway, began to skid, traveled off the left side of the roadway, struck an embankment and overturned into a creek.

Dr. Nathan Walters at Citizens Memorial Hospital, Bolivar, pronounced Dickey dead at 6:27 a.m.

The fatality was the 41st this year for Highway Patrol Troop D. 

Suspect at large after Springfield woman shot to death

 

(From the Springfield Police Department)

On May 28, 2022, at approximately 10:25 p.m., the Springfield Police Department was dispatched to 2652 S. Glenview Ave., to investigate a shooting. 

When officers arrived, they located a female who had suffered a gunshot wound. The female was transported to a local hospital for treatment but succumbed to her injuries.

 

The victim was identified as Ada Hodgkins, 42, from Springfield, Missouri. Hodgkins’ family has been notified.

A suspect has been identified but has not been located 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 incident marks Springfield's seventh homicide in 2022.

Free fishing weekend planned at Roaring River State Park

(From Missouri State Parks)

Free Fishing Days are coming in June. Roaring River State Park invites anglers of all ages and skill levels to come out and wet a line. The Wildlife Code of Missouri has set Free Fishing Days as the Saturday and Sunday following the first Monday in June. 

This year those dates are June 11 and 12, and free fishing is open from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the park both days.

During Free Fishing Days, any resident or nonresident may fish state waters without a permit. However, all other fishing regulations remain in effect. Anglers who fish the trout parks during free fishing weekend will not be required to purchase a daily tag.

Free Fishing Days make it easier for those not familiar with fishing to try it without having to purchase a permit. It’s also a great way to spend family time together, as well as to put food on the table.

Roaring River State Park is located 7 miles south of Cassville on Highway 112 in Barry County. For more information about Free Fishing Days, contact the park at 417-847-2539.

Springfield man indicted for sexually exploiting three children

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

A Springfield, Mo., man has been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges related to the sexual exploitation of three minor victims and receiving child pornography.

Jason T. Bernard, 52, was charged in a five-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Jefferson City, Mo., on Tuesday, May 24. The federal indictment replaces a federal criminal complaint that was filed against Bernard on May 5. Bernard has been detained in federal custody without bond since his arrest on May 5.

The federal indictment charges Bernard with three counts of the sexual exploitation of a child in which he used three different minors to produce child pornography from Sept. 14, 2018, to May 5, 2022. The indictment also charges Bernard with one count of using the internet and a cell phone to attempt to persuade one of those minor victims to engage in illegal sexual activity, and one count of receiving child pornography.

According to an affidavit filed in support of the original criminal complaint, the investigation began when nine CyberTips were received from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children on April 7, 2022. The nine CyberTips involved 145 images of child pornography that Bernard allegedly uploaded for storage to the Verizon Cloud.

As investigators identified Bernard as the account holder, the affidavit says, they received information from law enforcement in North Carolina that Bernard was involved in one of their investigations. Bernard allegedly sent funds through Cash App to one of the victims, a 15-year-old identified in court documents as “Jane Doe 1.” 

In exchange, the child victim sent pornographic images and videos of herself to Bernard. She told investigators that she was 13 years old when she began communicating with Bernard, whom she said paid her $250 a week or more. According to the affidavit, Bernard sent 48 payments to the child victim through Cash App between Oct. 14, 2020, and June 2, 2021, totaling $3,210.

Jane Doe 1 also told investigators that Bernard sent her alcohol and sex toys to use during her video recordings. Bernard offered to pay Jane Doe 1 $10,000 to meet him in person, the affidavit says, but she refused. 

She told investigators that Bernard sent her $500 to buy a train ticket to come meet him in person, but she kept the money then blocked Bernard from her social media accounts.

On May 5, 2022, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Bernard’s residence. Bernard, who allegedly purchased sexually explicit images or videos from at least two additional child victims, was arrested at his place of employment.

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 Stephanie L. Wan. It was investigated by the Greene County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, Homeland Security Investigations, the Southwest Missouri Cyber Crimes Task Force, and the Beaufort County, North Carolina, Sheriff’s Department.

Republic man sentenced for meth trafficking

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

A Republic, Mo., man who led law enforcement officers on a high-speed chase was sentenced in federal court today for possessing methamphetamine to distribute.

Heath E. Yarger, 49, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool to 14 years in federal prison without parole.

On Sept. 30, 2021, Yarger pleaded guilty to one count of possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute. Yarger admitted that he was in possession of approximately 254 grams of pure methamphetamine when he was arrested on Dec. 21, 2020.

A Christian County, Mo., sheriff’s deputy attempted to conduct a traffic stop of Yarger, who was driving a Chevrolet Silverado on Highway CC near Carnegie Road. Yarger failed to yield, however, and a pursuit ensued. Stop sticks were deployed and disabled the two passenger side tires. The pursuit continued onto northbound Highway 160 as Yarger reached speeds of 100 miles per hour and began to swerve and travel in the middle of the roadway, nearly striking multiple other vehicles. The pursuit continued through several residential streets and through the yard of a residence before returning to Highway 160. The pursuit ended near the intersection of Campbell Avenue and Primrose Street in Springfield, Mo. Yarger ran from the vehicle and was arrested after a short pursuit on foot.

Officers found a plastic bag that contained approximately 12.8 grams of pure methamphetamine in Yarger’s left jacket pocket. Officers searched his vehicle and found two plastic bags that contained an approximate total of 241.8 grams of pure methamphetamine.

According to court documents, Yarger has an extensive criminal history that includes convictions for operating a vehicle while intoxicated and multiple attempts to flee or resist law enforcement.

This case was prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron A. Beaver. It was investigated by the Christian County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration.

Kimberling City man killed in motorcycle accident on 76

A Kimberling City man was killed in a one-vehicle accident 3:55 p.m. Wednesday on MO 76, five miles north of Branson.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2022 Harley Davidson motorcycle driven by Matthew R. Culp, 48, Kimberling City, failed to negotiate a curve, ran off the left side of the median and overturned.

Culp was pronounced dead by Dr. Jake Roberts at Cox Hospital, Branson, at 4:35 p.m.

The fatality was the 39th this year for Highway Patrol Troop D.

 

Springfield man sentenced for heroin conspiracy

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

A Springfield, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for his role in a conspiracy to distribute 
heroin.

Charles A. Robinson, also known as “Big C,” 41, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Bough to 11 years and eight months in federal prison without parole.

On Dec. 27, 2021, Robinson pleaded guilty to participating in a conspiracy to distribute at least a kilogram of heroin in Cole, Callaway, and Greene counties from July 1, 2015, to March 27, 2018. Robinson admitted that he transported heroin from St. Louis, Mo., to Springfield. Robinson then distributed the heroin to other members of the conspiracy for distribution.

When law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Robinson’s residence on April 13, 2016, he was in possession of 39 grams of heroin.

Robinson is the seventh and final defendant to be sentenced in this case.

This case was prosecuted by Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorneys Randall D. Eggert and Michael S. Oliver. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Springfield, Mo., Police Department and the Jefferson City, Mo., Police Department.

5-year-old Springfield boy run over, killed

(From the Springfield Police Department)

Springfield Police responded to 3751 W. Division on May 14, 2022, at 8:26 p.m., regarding a child run over by a vehicle.

The initial investigation indicated that the child was riding on a trailer pulled by a pick-up truck on private property. 

The child, Gabe Lowry, 5, from Springfield, Missouri, fell from the trailer and was run over. 

Officers arrived and began life-saving measures. Lowry was transported to the hospital by ambulance, where he later died. Lowry’s family has been notified.

Officers with the department's Traffic Section are continuing to investigate the circumstances involved in this incident and are asking anyone who has additional information to contact the Springfield Police Department at 417-864-1810.

This was the 7th fatal motor vehicle accident in Springfield in 2022.

Springfield Police investigating double-homicide on North Boonville

(From the Springfield Police Department)

On May 14, 2022, at approximately 1:48 a.m., the Springfield Police Department responded to the parking lot located at 313 N. Boonville Ave, to investigate a shooting. 

When officers arrived, they located two males who had suffered gunshot wounds. One male was pronounced deceased on scene. 

The second male was transported to a local hospital for treatment but succumbed to his injuries. A third male arrived at a local hospital with a non-life-threatening gunshot wound and received treatment.

The deceased males were identified as Malik Sutton, 23, and Kylon McAfee, 20. Sutton and McAfee were both from Springfield, Mo. The families of both have been notified.

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 incident marks the fifth and sixth homicides of 2022.

Head-on collision on 13 kills Reeds Spring woman, Kansas City man

Two people were killed in a two-vehicle accident 1:58 p.m. Friday on MO 13, four miles north of Branson West.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2011 Ford Fusion driven by Marty Wright, 32, Kansas City, crossed into the path of a 2007 Kia Sorento driven by Ginger L. Veik, 64, Riverside, California, causing a head-on crash.

Stone County Coroner John Cunnyngham pronounced Wright dead at the scene at 3:45 p.m.

A passenger in the Veik vehicle, Nancy R. Branham, 79, Reeds Spring, was pronounced dead by Dr. Andrew Wylie at Cox South Hospital, Springfield, at 3:28 p.m.

Veik was treated for serious injuries at Mercy Springfield.

The fatalities were the 33rd and 34th this year for Highway Patrol Troop D.