Highway Patrol Arrests June 29-30

Jeremiah J. Johnson, 29, Madisonville, Texas, possession of marijuana

Marilyn K. Hawkins, 67, Mansfield, felony driving while intoxicated-serious physical injury, careless and imprudent driving involving a crash

Brianna N. Evans, 29, Ozark, driving while intoxicated, speeding

Dustin J. Estabrook, 37, Springfield, Greene County felony warrant for failure to appear on possession of a controlled substance, Greene County misdemeanor warrant for failure to appear on no insurance

 

Greene County health officials: Monkeypox poses low risk to public

(From the Springfield-Greene County Health Department)

Springfield-Greene County Health is informing the community that monkeypox poses low risk to the public. Monkeypox is a viral infection that generally results in mild symptoms, with most people able to recover at home. The virus does not spread easily between people without close, prolonged contact.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are 305 confirmed cases of monkeypox in the United States and more than 4,700 globally. The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services has reported two cases in the state. No deaths from monkeypox have been reported in the United States.

 

Symptoms of monkeypox vary between people, however, it is often characterized by a blistering rash that can appear on the face, inside the mouth or on other parts of the body including the hands, chest, genitals or anus. Additional symptoms of monkeypox include:

- Fever.

- Headache.

- Muscle and back aches.

- Swollen lymph nodes.

- Chills.

- Exhaustion.

Monkeypox spreads through prolonged and close, often skin-to-skin, contact. This includes:

- Direct contact with bodily fluids, blisters or rashes.

- Close, prolonged face-to-face contact (due to the exchange of respiratory droplets).

- Touching clothing, bedding, towels, objects or surfaces used by someone with monkeypox.

- Sexual or intimate contact of any kind.

 

Passing interactions with no skin-to-skin contact with someone who has monkeypox are unlikely to result in transmission. Despite the low risk that monkeypox poses, the Health Department is asking people who suspect they have contracted the virus to seek testing with their healthcare provider. Those who have symptoms of monkeypox or have come into close contact with someone who has the disease should call or set up a virtual appointment with their physician. Health care providers are asking that you do not walk into clinics, urgent care, or the emergency room unless you are in need of immediate medical care. This will help prevent further exposures from occurring.

The Health Department has created a webpage for those wanting more information about monkeypox. Questions regarding individual symptoms or risk after exposure should be directed to your healthcare provider.

Highway Patrol Arrests June 28-29

Shanon D. Applegarth, 40, Hollister, felony driving while revoked

Matthew T. Price, 20, Rogersville, driving while intoxicated 

Reeds Spring woman, Galena man injured in head-on collision on 413

Two people were injured in a two-vehicle accident 12:58 p.m. today on MO 413, seven miles north of Reeds Spring.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2007 Chrysler van driven by Mariah L. Taylor, 26, Reeds Spring, crossed the center line and struck a 2009 Pontiac Torrent driven by Richard J. Baumann, 56, Galena, head on.

Taylor was treated for serious injuries and Baumann for moderate injuries at Cox South Hospital, Springfield.

 

Springfield man sentenced to 18 years for meth trafficking

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

A Springfield man has been sentenced in federal court for leading a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in the Springfield area, including an undercover drug transaction that occurred in a home with two young children.

Devin J.H. Wrinkle, 32, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Brian C. Wimes on Tuesday, June 28, to 18 years and four months in federal prison without parole.

On Jan. 27, 2022, Wrinkle pleaded guilty to participating in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in Greene County, Mo., from Dec. 27, 2019, to Aug. 19, 2020. He also pleaded guilty to distributing methamphetamine on a premises where a minor resided.

During the course of the drug-trafficking conspiracy, officers seized more than 425 grams of methamphetamine from Wrinkle and co-defendant Ashley N. Cooney, 39, of Springfield. In addition to the methamphetamine that was seized, an undercover law enforcement officer saw Wrinkle in possession of at least two pounds of methamphetamine.

Two confidential informants contacted law enforcement in January 2020 regarding Wrinkle being a pound-level distributor of methamphetamine in the Springfield area. An undercover law enforcement officer purchased methamphetamine from Wrinkle on two occasions. Wrinkle was in possession of a firearm during one of those undercover transactions, and again when he fled from the police on a motorcycle.

The second undercover drug transaction occurred at the John B. Hughes Apartments, inside another person’s apartment where two children, ages five and seven, resided. Wrinkle was in possession of at least two pounds of methamphetamine on that occasion.

On March 4, 2020, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Cooney’s residence. Officers found a Starbucks cup with approximately 34.2 grams of methamphetamine, a purse that contained a small baggie with approximately 1.1 grams of methamphetamine, another small baggie that contained approximately 1.1 grams of methamphetamine, three water bongs with methamphetamine residue inside a desk drawer, and drug paraphernalia in an upstairs office. Inside the toilet bowl of the upstairs bedroom, officers found two plastic bags that contained a total of approximately 329 grams of methamphetamine.

Later that month, according to court documents, Wrinkle fled from police on a motorcycle in possession of a firearm, ammunition, methamphetamine, and marijuana. He wrecked the motorcycle and took off running, at which point he tossed the firearm on the ground.

Cooney pleaded guilty and was sentenced on March 17, 2022, to three years in federal prison without parole.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica R. Eatmon. It was investigated by the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Springfield, Mo., Police Department, and the Greene County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department.

Highway Patrol Arrests June 27-28

Dru T. Dahman, 25, Lampe, felony possession of a controlled substance-methamphetamine

Nathan H. Loden, 36, Siloam Springs, Arkansas, speeding, possession of marijuana, unlawful use of drug paraphernalia

Robert B. Osborne, 23, Springfield, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, failure to affix front license plate, failed to have two red reflectors on rear of vehicle

Blake C. Gabriel, 27, Pleasant Hope, possession of marijuana, Springfield Police Department misdemeanor warrants for failure to appear on failure to yield and speeding, speeding, no insurance, no seat belt

Victoria Tudor, 51, Neosho, driving while intoxicated, leaving the scene of a crash

Carrie M. Liles, 42, Brighton, no seat belt, failure to secure a child less than eight in a child restraint or booster seat, unlawful use of drug paraphernalia

Hannah L. Olcott, 21, Lead Hill, Arkansas, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, speeding

Seth G. Martin, 28, Coolidge, Arizona, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia 

Branson man sentenced to 20 years on child pornography charge

A federal judge sentenced a Branson man with a long history of sexual crimes to 20 years in prison during a hearing today in U. S. District Court in Springfield.

Andrew David Ferrill, 35, received and distributed child pornography in 2019 and 2020. While serving in the military, Ferrill had been court martialed in 2010 for aggravated sexual assault of a child and indecent conduct, according to the plea agreement and pleaded guilty November 30, 2018, in Taney County Circuit Court to sexual abuse in the second degree.

Nixa state representative convicted of COVID-19 fraud, separate fraud scheme

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

A Missouri state representative was convicted by a federal trial jury today for a nearly $900,000 COVID-19 fraud scheme, as well as a separate $200,000 fraud scheme in which she made false claims about a fake stem cell treatment marketed through her clinics in southern Missouri, and for illegally providing prescription drugs to clients of those clinics.

“This is an elected official who stole money from the public, a purported humanitarian who cheated and lied to her patients, and a medical professional who illegally distributed drugs,” said U.S. Attorney Teresa Moore. 

“She violated her position of trust to selfishly enrich herself at the expense of others. But a jury of her peers, in a unanimous verdict, saw through her smokescreen of excuses and ridiculous claims, and now she will be held accountable for her criminal behavior.”

Patricia “Tricia” Ashton Derges, 64, of Nixa, Mo., was found guilty of 10 counts of wire fraud, 10 counts of distributing drugs over the internet without a valid prescription, and two counts of making false statements to a federal law enforcement agent.

Derges was elected in November 2020 as a Missouri state representative in District 140 (Christian County). Derges, who is not a physician but is licensed as an assistant physician, operates three for-profit Ozark Valley Medical Clinic locations in Springfield, Ozark, and Branson, Mo. Derges also operates the non-profit corporation Lift Up Someone Today, Inc., with a medical and dental clinic in Springfield.

“Derges betrayed the confidence entrusted in her as both an elected lawmaker and an assistant physician,” Charles Dayoub, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Kansas City. “She took advantage of a global pandemic to benefit herself financially with complete disregard, not only to her constituents, but to the oath she took as a health care professional to do no harm. Today’s verdict, decided by a jury of her peers, is a direct message to those who wish to profit on the backs of others: the FBI will vigorously pursue any individual who abuses their position of power and the trust of Missourians for their own gain.”

“By putting personal profit before the health and welfare of her constituents, this official egregiously violated the duties of her position as an elected public servant,” said Curt L. Muller, Special Agent in Charge with the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “HHS-OIG will not tolerate any attempts to defraud federal health care programs, particularly those that steal from essential taxpayer funds and endanger public health.”

COVID-19 Fraud Scheme

Derges was convicted of three counts of wire fraud related to her attempt to fraudulently receive nearly $900,000 in CARES Act funds. Derges actually was awarded $296,574 in CARES Act funds for Lift Up, although Lift Up did not provide any COVID-19 testing services to its patients. In fact, Lift Up’s medical clinic closed at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic and remained closed from March to June 2020.

Derges sought CARES Act funding for COVID-19 testing that had been provided, and already paid for, at her for-profit Ozark Valley Medical Clinic. Derges requested reimbursement for $379,294 in COVID-19 testing and related expenses, and future funding in the amount of $503,350. In total, Derges applied for $882,644 from the CARES Act Relief Fund on Lift Up’s behalf.

Congress passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act in March 2020, which provided $150 billion to states, tribal governments, and units of local government. Missouri was allocated approximately $2.3 billion. Missouri allocated approximately $34 million in CARES Act funds to Greene County. 

To administer the CARES Act funds it received, the Greene County Commission created the CARES Act Relief Fund to “promote recovery by funding programs and services that support the needs of those impacted by the COVID-19 public health emergency.” 

An advisory council of 30 citizen volunteers was appointed to review funding requests and make funding recommendations to the Greene County Commission.

Derges claimed in her application to the Greene County CARES Act Relief Fund that Lift Up provided COVID-19 testing and she sought reimbursement for “COVID-19 eligible expenses” that Lift Up had incurred. To support her claim, Derges provided invoices totaling $296,574 from Dynamic DNA for more than 3,000 COVID-19 laboratory tests. Derges submitted the Dynamic DNA invoices as Lift Up expenditures, although they were actually for testing done at Derges’s for-profit Ozark Valley Medical Clinic.

Lift Up, a non-profit charity, and Ozark Valley Medical Clinic, a for-profit corporation, are separate legal entities. Ozark Valley Medical Center had already received payment from its clients of approximately $517,000 for these COVID-19 tests. Ozark Valley Medical Center charged clients, patients, or their patients’ employers approximately $167 per sample for its COVID-19 testing services. Derges concealed from Greene County that these COVID-19 tests had already been paid for by other payors.

In December 2020, the Greene County Commission awarded Lift Up $296,574 in CARES Act funding based upon Lift Up’s fraudulent application and the Dynamic DNA invoices Derges had submitted. Derges deposited the check into Lift Up’s bank account, then transferred the funds into Ozark Valley Medical Center’s bank account.

Derges provided several more invoices from Dynamic DNA to Greene County later in December 2020 to further support her application for Lift Up, although the invoices were actually for testing done for clients at Ozark Valley Medical Center, raising the total to $589,143 for 6,177 COVID-19 tests. Derges concealed from Greene County that Ozark Valley Medical Center already had been paid approximately $1 million by clients, patients, or their patients’ employers, for these COVID-19 tests.

Stem Cell Fraud Scheme

Derges also was convicted of seven counts of wire fraud related to a nearly $200,000 fraud scheme, which lasted from December 2018 to May 2020. Derges marketed a stem cell treatment that actually utilized amniotic fluid that did not contain any stem cells. The federal indictment charged her with defrauding four specific victims, each of whom testified during the trial.

Derges exclusively obtained amniotic fluid, which she marketed under the name Regenerative Biologics, from the University of Utah. Derges advertised Ozark Valley Medical Clinic as a “Leader in … Regenerative Medicine,” including stem cells, and marketed her “stem cell” practice through seminars, media interviews, and social media. Derges made similar claims in personal consultations.

In fact, however, the amniotic fluid Derges administered to her patients did not contain mesenchymal stem cells, or any other stem cells. The amniotic fluid she obtained from the University of Utah was a sterile filtered amniotic fluid allograft (a tissue graft comprised of human amniotic membrane and amniotic fluid components derived from placental tissue). The amniotic fluid allograft was “acellular,” meaning it did not contain any cells, including stem cells.

Despite being told that the University of Utah’s amniotic fluid allograft was “acellular” and did not contain mesenchymal stem cells, Derges continued to tell her patients and the public that the amniotic fluid allograft contained stem cells.

Derges administered amniotic fluid, which she falsely claimed contained stem cells, to patients who suffered from, among other things, tissue damage, kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), Lyme disease, and urinary incontinence. In an April 11, 2020, Facebook post Derges wrote of amniotic fluid allograft: “This amazing treatment stands to provide a potential cure for COVID-19 patients that is safe and natural.”

The University of Utah sold its amniotic fluid allograft to Derges for approximately $244 per milliliter and $438 for two milliliters. Derges charged her patients $950 to $1,450 per milliliter. In total, Derges’s patients paid her approximately $191,815 for amniotic fluid that did not contain stem cells.

Controlled Substances Act

Derges also was convicted of 10 counts of distributing Oxycodone and Adderall over the internet without valid prescriptions. The indictment alleges that Derges, without conducting in-person medical evaluations of the patients, wrote electronic prescriptions for Oxycodone and Adderall for patients and transmitted them to pharmacies over the internet.

Because none of the assistant physicians whom Derges employed at Ozark Valley Medical Clinic could prescribe Schedule II controlled substances, it was the standard practice of the assistant physicians to see a patient and later communicate to Derges the controlled substances they wanted her to prescribe to their patients. Derges, without conducting an in-person medical evaluation of the patients as required by federal law, wrote electronic prescriptions for the patients and transmitted the prescriptions over the internet to pharmacies.

False Statements

Derges also was convicted of two counts of making false statements to federal agents investigating this case in May 2020.

Derges told agents that the amniotic fluid allograft that she used in her practice contained mesenchymal stem cells, which she knew was false. Derges also told federal agents that she had not treated a patient for urinary incontinence with amniotic fluid allograft, which she knew was false.

Assistant Physician

Derges is not a physician but is licensed as an assistant physician. An assistant physician is a mid-level medical professional in the state of Missouri. Under Missouri law, medical school graduates who have not been accepted into a residency program but have passed Step 1 and Step 2 of the United States Medical Licensing Examination may apply to become an assistant physician. State law mandates that assistant physicians practice pursuant to a collaborative practice arrangement with a licensed physician.

Derges obtained her medical degree from the Caribbean Medical University of Curacao in May 2014 but was not accepted into a post-graduate residency program. Derges was licensed as an assistant physician by the state of Missouri on Sept. 8, 2017.

Following the presentation of evidence, the jury in the U.S. District Court in Springfield, Mo., deliberated for about six hours over two days before returning guilty verdicts on all counts to U.S. District Judge Brian C. Wimes, ending a trial that began Monday, June 13.

Under federal statutes, Derges is subject to a sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison without parole on each of the 10 wire fraud counts and on each of the 10 drug distribution counts, and a sentence of up to five years in federal prison without parole on each of the two false statements counts. 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 Shannon Kempf and Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Randall D. Eggert. It was investigated by the FBI, Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General, the DEA and the Missouri Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit.

Highway Patrol Arrests June 26-27

Taylor B. Cowan, 22, Carl Junction, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia

Elijah A. Hankey, 20, Branson, driving while intoxicated, failure to drive on right half of roadway

Marcus T. Williams, 21, Springfield, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, speeding, no insurance

Breahnna D. Miller, 27, Salem, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving while revoked, no insurance

Kyle Miller, 29, Salem, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia

Ryan R. Rauscher, 42, Collins, felony driving while revoked, failure to register motor vehicle

Susan A. Reed, 56, Ozark, Christian County misdemeanor warrant for failure to appear on failure to register motor vehicle, no valid plates

 

Springfield man killed in motorcycle crash

(From the Springfield Police Department)

On June 25, 2022, at 5:12 p.m., the Springfield Police Department responded to a single-vehicle crash near Kissick Avenue and Lake Ridge Street.

Trenton Williamson, 22, of Springfield, was northbound on Kissick Avenue from the Springfield Lake Dam on a 2007 Yamaha motorcycle when, according to the initial investigation, he lost control and ran off the roadway into a ravine.

 

Williamson was transported by EMS to a local hospital but later died from the injuries sustained in the crash. Williamson’s next of kin have been notified.

Impairment is not suspected, and no other vehicles or property were damaged.

The investigation is ongoing as to the circumstances involved in the crash.

This was the ninth fatality motor vehicle crash in Springfield in 2022.

Exeter woman airlifted to Mercy Springfield after crash on 76

An Exeter woman was injured in a one-vehicle accident 3:45 a.m. today on MO 76, west of Farm Road 2192.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2003 Toyota 4 Runner driven by Mariah A. Sweaney, 26, Exeter, failed to negotiate a left turn, traveled off the right side of the roadway, returned to the roadway and overturned.

Sweaney was airlifted to Mercy Springfield with serious injuries.

 

Probable cause affidavit: Springfield man had 825 grams of fentanyl in containers, 13 grams in his anus

Springfield Police Department officers and Greene County deputies had already located 825 grams of heroin/fentanyl in containers at a Springfield man's residence during the execution of a search warrant, but the worst was yet to come.

A strip search of Anthony Cortez Lewis at the Greene County Jail unearthed 17 bags, weighing 13.1 grams in his anal cavity, according to the probable cause affidavit, which was filed today in U. S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri.

Lewis was not at home when Greene County SWAT executed the search warrant at 3365 South Doris Court. 

According to the affidavit, while the search was being conducted, Springfield police officers who were conducting surveillance "witnessed Lewis conducting what appeared to be drug transactions near Sunshine Street and Ingram Mill Avenue."

Federal drug trafficking charges against Lewis were filed this morning.

Billy Long: When will media start covering attacks on pro-life organizations?

(From Seventh District Congressman Billy Long)

Now that Roe v. Wade has been overturned I'd like to address the telegraphing of the decision and it's aftermath that was first reported by Politico. 

The now famous leak stated that the Supreme Court of the United States was about to overturn Roe v. Wade, and send the issue of abortion back to the states. They got this information from a leaked draft opinion written by Justice Samuel Alito. 

We still don’t know who took the unprecedented step of leaking a full draft opinion before the ruling was released, but we do know the result of the leak. Almost immediately, left-wing activists started planning protests and demonstrations to try and force the justices to not overturn Roe.

There have been protests outside the homes of Supreme Court Justices, even the home of Justice Amy Coney Barrett who has young children. These protests are meant to intimidate the justices into doing what the activists want. 

Recently a deranged man got himself arrested outside of Justice Brett Kavanaugh’s home with a gun, saying he wanted to kill the justice because he was mad about the possibility of Roe being overturned. He found the home because protest groups posted Justice Kavanaugh’s address online. 

When asked about these protests outside private homes, then-White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki refused to condemn the protests, and even encouraged them. 

Just two years ago, now Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) stood on the steps of the Supreme Court, and said, “I want to tell you (Justice Neil) Gorsuch, and I want to tell you (Justice) Kavanaugh, you have unleashed the whirlwind, and you will pay the price. You won’t know what hit you if you go forward with these awful decisions.” 

In the wake of an assassination attempt on Justice Kavanaugh, you would think the media would be demanding Sen. Schumer apologize for these remarks, but they haven’t.

It’s not just the justices’ homes that have been targeted. Radical activists have also attacked 60 Pro-Life organizations and crisis pregnancy centers nationwide. These centers, many of which are religious, have been firebombed and vandalized. 

You would think that President Biden, a devout Catholic, would condemn these lawless acts, and send in the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to investigate. You would be right, but unfortunately it didn’t happen right away. 

The FBI announced last week that they were finally investigating this string of attacks, but it took them 45 days after the draft opinion was released. The FBI should have been investigating this from day one.

All acts of political violence are un-American and cannot be tolerated regardless of the issue or the source. Judges and politicians should be able to do their jobs without fear of being physically attacked or killed. 

Sadly, the so-called mainstream media does not treat all acts of political violence equally. The weekly network Sunday shows barely mentioned the assassination attempt on Justice Kavanaugh the week after it happened. And there has been minimal coverage from the so-called mainstream media about the attacks on Pro-Life organizations and crisis pregnancy centers. 

The big question I have this week is this: when will the media end their double standard and start covering these ongoing attacks against Pro-Life organizations? And, I'm not holding my breath.

Lye, leather and laundry on tap at Nathan and Olive Boone Homestead

(From Missouri State Parks)

Join the team at Nathan and Olive Boone Homestead State Historic Site at 1 p.m. Saturday, July 9, for Living History Saturday.

The program, “Lye, Lather and Laundry,” will explain to visitors how the frontier family kept their clothing clean. This interactive presentation will take place in the yard near the Boone home.

Nathan and Olive Boone Homestead State Historic Site is located at 7850 N. State Highway V in Ash Grove, northwest of Springfield. For more information about the event, call 417-751-3266.

Ex-boyfriend murders Springfield woman, kills himself

(From the Springfield Police Department)

On June 22, 2022, at approximately 11:42 a.m., the Springfield Police Department was dispatched to 1618 E. Adams St., to check the well-being of a woman. 

Officers received information that the woman’s ex-boyfriend might be at the residence with intentions to harm her.

 

Based on information received during the initial investigation, investigators determined the suspect was not present and obtained a search warrant for the residence. When officers entered the home, they found the female deceased inside. The victim was identified as Cheryl Lamar, 57, from Springfield. Lamar’s family has been notified.

The Springfield Police Department identified the suspect as Lydell Jackson, 59, from Springfield. Jackson was located by officers in a mobile home at 1633 E. Caravan. Jackson barricaded himself inside and officers negotiated with Jackson while a search warrant was obtained for the residence.

The search warrant was served at the residence by members of the Springfield Police Department’s Special Response Team. Jackson was discovered deceased inside the home with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Jackson’s family has been notified.

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 ninth homicide investigation for 2022.

Branson man pleads guilty to threatening Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department

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

A Branson man pleaded guilty in federal court today to threatening over the internet to injure employees of the Los Angeles County, California, Sheriff’s Department.

Joshua L. Bippert, 27, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool to one count of transmitting a threat across state lines to injure another person.

By pleading guilty today, Bippert admitted that he communicated the threat over the internet to the sheriff’s department on Sept. 20, 2020. 

Bippert sent a private message in response to a social media post on the department’s Instagram account. The Instagram post documented the arrest of a felon in possession of a firearm. 

Bippert wrote: “Recently a couple of your officers arrested a man for owning a firearm. If you want more of your officers to end up like the two that got shot while sitting in their patrol car then go ahead and keep the charges. Release the man who did nothing wrong but keep his second amendment rights or there will be blood. This is a threat.” (sic) Bippert’s message presumably referred to the Sept. 12, 2020, ambush by a gunman on two sheriff’s deputies sitting in their patrol car.

The next day, Bippert commented on the sheriff’s department post: “for me, the most irritating part is living in the midwest and not on the border to California where I could take a nice short drive to water the tree of liberty.” (sic)

Investigators also saw a post from Bippert in which he tagged the sheriff’s department: “Forget the constitution. We need to end gun control by any means necessary. Yes I do mean violence.” (sic)

Under federal statutes, Bippert is subject to a sentence of up to five 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 Casey Clark. It was investigated by the FBI, the Taney County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, and the Los Angeles County, Calif., Sheriff’s Department.

Nixa woman who led police on high-speed chase sentenced for meth trafficking

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

A Nixa woman who led law enforcement officers on a high-speed chase at night with no headlights was sentenced in federal court today for trafficking methamphetamine.

Gina N. Nunez, 44, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool to 12 years in federal prison without parole.

On Jan. 13, 2022, Nunez pleaded guilty to one count of possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute. Nunez admitted that she was in possession of methamphetamine found in her vehicle after she led officers on a high-speed chase over two stop strips before crashing her vehicle and being arrested.

A sergeant with the Christian County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department attempted to stop Nunez, who was driving a gray Honda on U.S. Highway 65, a few minutes before midnight on June 27, 2021. She was driving approximately 17 to 32 miles per hour on the highway and crossing over the center line. Nunez waved at the officer as he followed her with his emergency lights and siren on for approximately three minutes. Nunez then accelerated to speeds in excess of 100 miles per hour northbound on U.S. Highway 65 to the Finley River bridge, where Ozark, Mo., police officers had positioned spike strips. Nunez continued travelling at speeds in excess of 100 miles per hour, without headlights, into Greene County.

The Greene County Sheriff’s Department deployed a spike strip near U.S. Highway 65 and Chestnut Expressway. Nunez continued northbound on U.S. Highway 65 at speeds in excess of 100 miles per hour. At approximately 12:16 a.m., Nunez exited the highway onto Interstate 44 and crashed into the guardrail. Her vehicle was disabled, and she was arrested.

Law enforcement officers searched Nunez’s vehicle and found six plastic bags in the front passenger floorboard that contained a total of 134 grams of pure methamphetamine, as well as multiple baggies of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. Officers also found a purse that contained numerous knives.

Nunez has multiple convictions for possession of a controlled substance, multiple convictions for possession of a controlled substance for distribution, and a conviction for accessory to murder in which the victim was beaten with a baseball bat and stabbed repeatedly.

This case was prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron A. Beaver. It was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Christian County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, the Greene County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, the Springfield, Mo., Police Department, the Nixa, Mo., Police Department, and the Ozark, Mo., Police Department.

Ground-penetrating radar finds unmarked graves at Nathan and Olive Boone Homestead

(From Missouri State Parks)

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources usually uses ground-penetrating radar, or GPR, for finding waterlines and leaks or buried tanks.

However, the department put that technology to another use at Nathan and Olive Boone Homestead State Historic Site, where several unmarked graves in both cemeteries on the property were discovered.

“During my new employee orientation with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Division of State Parks, I had the opportunity to tour the different divisions within the agency,” said Mike Busekrus, site superintendent.

“When I visited the Environmental Emergency Response team, I saw the ground-penetrating radar. I thought that’s something I should keep in mind, but I wasn’t sure why. I didn’t know when or why I’d need it, but I tucked that information away.”

Busekrus is charged with managing the state historic site near Ash Grove, Missouri. The site includes almost 400 acres of Nathan and Olive Boone’s original homestead, remnants of outbuildings and two separate cemeteries; one for the Boone family and one for the enslaved people who worked on the farm.

“In an effort to better understand the lives of the enslaved who lived here on the Boone Homestead, we need to better understand the most visible reminder of their presence, the African American Cemetery,” Busekrus said. “When the cemetery was first located by archeologists in the 1990s, its exact borders were unknown.”

Sadly, unmarked graves are common in older cemeteries, especially ones more than 100 years old. Often, grave records are lost, vague or incomplete. Sometimes there isn’t even surface expression of the grave, so the burial location isn’t seen from aboveground. The challenge is how to explore the subsurface without disturbing the soil or the graves.

Busekrus, intent on learning more about the history of the site, recalled the department’s Environmental Emergency Response team using GPR. GPR is a geophysical method often used in archaeological and forensic investigations and even grave detection. When the African American cemetery was first located, the use of ground-penetrating technology in archeological work was still limited.

According to Rachel Campbell, an archaeologist with Missouri State Parks, GPR has a transmitter that sends out energy waves, then the receiver records the amount of time and strength needed for the return of the reflected signal. The density of any object encountered will uniquely reflect, refract and distribute the signal, which the receiver detects and records.

“GPR records variation in composition of ground material as the signals travel differently through various soil types,” Campbell said. “Changes and mixing of soils are picked up by the machinery due to the modification of density in the soil that occurs during a burial. GPR is a wonderful technology to use for archaeological research as it’s noninvasive, and the radar doesn’t cause any harm to the burials or other subsurface features or artifacts that may be present.”

Busekrus said it is similar to a fish finder but without water. A fish finder locates fish in the water by detecting reflected pulses of sound energy. A fish finder displays measurements of reflected sound, allowing the operator to locate schools of fish, underwater debris and the bottom of the body of water. Likewise, if someone uses GPR on a regular basis, they become familiar with the readings and can decipher tree roots and other ground disturbances from items put there by man.

With the equipment already in place, no outside expenses would be incurred if they used it to check for more unmarked graves. So, Busekrus jumped on the idea and ran with it, reaching out to the department’s Environmental Emergency Response team in charge of the GPR.

A group of seven, including Busekrus, Campbell and members from the department’s Environmental Emergency Response team, spent two days at the historic site in March 2022. A 30-foot-wide perimeter was cleared around the existing boundary of the African American Cemetery. To be sure they covered the entire cemetery where there was a possibility of a gravesite, the crew laid out a 2-foot grid, collecting data along each grid line.

“This was a relatively quick process, and it was done all in-house,” Busekrus said. “It took our team a day and a half to collect the data for the African American Cemetery. The graves are mostly unmarked in the enslaved cemetery, with only two bearing faint inscriptions: Moses Boone and Preston Boone. Since there are no records of the burials in the cemetery, the GPR data is our best tool to understand its size and significance.”
During the study, the team discovered at least eight more burials in the enslaved cemetery, two of these burials were outside of the previously known cemetery boundary. The team then set their sights on the Boone Cemetery, where they located five more unmarked graves.

“My hope is to continue working with Mike to produce a detailed map of the cemeteries and the anomalies seen during the survey,” Campbell said. “This would be used for a greater interpretation of the site and the lives of the enslaved people who lived there. We also hope to use this study as a jumping-off point for further geophysical studies at the site, expanding our knowledge of the larger landscape and use of the homestead.”

With the new graves discovered, the size of the African American cemetery nearly doubled, going from 11 known graves to 19. In the Boone Cemetery, there are now 20 known graves, many of which were children. Nathan and Olive Boone, along with Olive’s 104-year-old mother, are also buried there.

During the two-day study, the team also used the equipment in another area in an unsuccessful attempt to locate the remains of the enslaved quarters.

“We knew it was a bit of a longshot, but with the technology already on-site, it was worth a try,” Busekrus said.

In 1991, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources acquired the homestead, outbuildings and 400 acres. The historic site offers tours of the property, and Busekrus works to tell an accurate history of the life on the homestead.

“This work helps us to have a better understanding of how life unfolded here in the 19th century; it gives us a starting point to better tell the stories of the lives of the individuals enslaved on the homestead,” Busekrus said. “As history continues to reveal itself, we will continue to tell the story.”

Monett man seriously injured in crash near Butterfield

A Monett man was injured in a one-vehicle accident 8:25 p.m. Sunday on Farm Road 2125 three miles east of Butterfield.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2022 Honda CBR600RR driven by Christopher B. Kessinger, 43, Monett, traveled off the left side of the roadway and struck a fence.

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

 

Highway Patrol Arrests June 19-20

Nicholas A. Oldenburg, 34, Springfield, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, no valid plates

Darien L. Abston, 27, Republic, possession of marijuana

Marvin Phillip, 29, Neosho, Newton County misdemeanor warrant for failure to appear on driving while revoked, speeding, no insurance

Michael A. Norris, 35, Joplin, driving while intoxicated, consumption of alcoholic beverage while driving, failed to stop for steady red light

Stacey M. Rinehart, 29, Wheatland, driving while intoxicated, leaving the scene of a crash, careless and imprudent driving, no insurance

Bradley J. Thessing, 51, Nixa, boating while intoxicated, no navigation lights

Michael A. Behrens, 57, Branson West, felony driving while revoked, possession of marijuana, Warren County misdemeanor warrant for failure to appear on speeding, Ralls County misdemeanor warrant for failure to appear on driving while intoxicated

Riley J. Myers, 24, Branson, felony driving while revoked or suspended

Timothy S. Bailey, 55, Schell City, driving while intoxicated 

Springfield man seriously injured in near drowning on Table Rock Lake

A Springfield man suffered serious injuries in a near drowning incident 3:30 p.m. Sunday on Moonshine Beach at Table Rock Lake.

According to the Highway Patrol report, Diego Arguello Pimentel, 21, Springfield, was returning to shore when he went under and did not resurface. He was pulled to shore by friends and taken by Taney County Ambulance to Cox Hospital, Branson.

Highway Patrol Arrests June 18-19

Makayla R. Lanier, 24, Branson, driving while intoxicated

Christina L. Rager, 43, Reeds Spring, possession of a controlled substance-methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, driving while intoxicated

Gerald C. St. Pierre, 55, Aurora, driving while intoxicated, speeding, failure to maintain right half of roadway

Shannon E. Martinez, 49, Joplin, possession of a controlled substance, no seat belt, child restraint violation, possession of drug paraphernalia

Chadwick E. Owens, 51, Ozark, boating while intoxicated, displaying lights other than prescribed on watercraft

Thomas R. Sokalik, 24, Bolivar, driving while intoxicated, failed to drive on right half of roadway, no insurance

Stephanie N. Brewer, 35, Pleasant Hope, driving while intoxicated 

Ozark man seriously injured in motorcycle crash near Battlefield

An Ozark man was injured in a one-vehicle accident 7:50 p.m. Friday on Farm Road 131 two miles southeast of Battlefield.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2021 Jiangsu Tiking RP5 motorcycle driven by Colby E. Forsythe, 38, Ozark, went out of control and overturned, ejecting Forsythe.

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

Crane woman suffers serious injuries in motorcycle accident

A Crane woman was injured in a one-vehicle accident 9:30 a.m. today on Highway AA, two miles north of Galena.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a Harley Davidson motorcycle driven by Kari R. Eads, 54, Crane, was rounding a curve when the floor board of the motorcycle dragged on the road, causing the motorcycle to go out of control. Eads was ejected.

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

 

Three injured, two airlifted to Mercy Springfield following head-on collision near Branson

Three people were injured in a two-vehicle collision 2:09 p.m. today on MO 376, one mile west of Branson.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2014 BMW 320I driven by Jacob M. Wynn, 33, Branson, traveling at a high rate of speed, failed to negotiate a curve, crossed the center line and struck a 2007 Toyota Tacoma driven by Robert L. Blivin, 62, Herculaneum, head on, with both vehicles traveling off the north side of the roadway.

Wynn and Blivin were airlifted to Mercy Springfield to be treated for serious injuries.

A passenger in the Blivin vehicle, Stephanie Wood, 57, Herculaneum, was also taken to Mercy with serious injuries. 

Highway Patrol Arrests June 17-18

Jiminez G. Santiago, 38, Durrant, Oklahoma, driving while intoxicated

Nautica S. Hart, 21, Chanute, Kansas, possession of marijuana

Amanda J. Hunter, 26, Chanute, Kansas, possession of marijuana

Loren M. Trif, 27, Springfield, possession of marijuana

Alexander P. Hobart, 29, Bolivar, felony failure to register as a sex offender, felony forgery, no seat belt

Kyle J. Kivett, 20, Neosho, possession of marijuana, possession of liquor by a minor, speeding, failure to drive on the right half of the roadway

Stephen M. Grant, 33, Buffalo, driving while intoxicated, careless and imprudent driving involving a crash, no insurance

Amber L. Ivy, 31, Long Lane, felony possession of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving while suspended, no seat belt

Willie C. Ivy, 47, Long Lane, felony possession of a controlled substance-methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, no seat belt

Derek C. Coburn, 19, Verona, felony probation and parole warrant-absconder, Lawrence County felony warrant for possession of a controlled substance, Monett Police Department misdemeanor warrant for possession of drug paraphernalia

Alexander O. Barnes, 50, Joplin, Jasper County felony warrants for forgery, manufacturing a controlled substance, possession of methamphetamine and failure to appear for driving while intoxicated, Webb City Police Department warrants for possession of a controlled substance and possession of narcotic equipment, Newton County warrant for failure to appear on driving while intoxicated, Joplin Police Department warrant for obstructing a court order, Neosho Police Department warrants for failure to appear on failure to register vehicle, possession of drug paraphernalia, making a false report and stealing, two Neosho Police Department warrants for traffic offenses, no seat belt, possession of drug paraphernalia

Selena R. Harper, 48, Peoria, Illinois, Jasper County misdemeanor warrant for failure to appear on no child restraint, speeding

Twenty-five to graduate from Missouri State Highway Patrol Academy

(From Missouri State Highway Patrol)

Colonel Eric T. Olson, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, announces that 25 troopers will graduate from the Patrol’s Law Enforcement Academy on Friday, June 24, 2022. 

The ceremony will take place in the Academy gymnasium, 1510 E. Elm Street, Jefferson City, MO, and the public is invited. The graduation ceremony will begin at 9 a.m. and be livestreamed via the Patrol’s Facebook page. 

The 113th Recruit Class reported to the Academy on January 18, 2022, to begin the 25-week training to become a trooper. The new troopers will report to duty in their assigned troops on Monday, July 11, 2022.

Lieutenant Governor Mike Kehoe will provide the keynote address, and Colonel Olson will also address the class. The Honorable Patricia Breckenridge, Supreme Court of Missouri, will administer the Oath of Office to the new troopers. Four class awards will be presented. 

The recruits accumulate points toward graduation in the categories of physical fitness, firearms, and academics throughout their 25 weeks at the Academy. The person with the highest number of points in each category earns the respective award. Award categories include physical fitness, firearms, academics, and the Superintendent’s Award, which is presented to the person with the most points overall.

The names (hometowns) and first assignments of members of the 113th Recruit Class are listed below:

Troop A

Tyler R. Peoples (Lawson, MO), Zone 5, Ray and Carroll Counties
Christian J. Drum (Webb City, MO), Zone 11, Cass County
Braeden A. Perry (Kansas City, MO), Zone 2, Platte County
John M Haines (Deepwater, MO), Zone 8, Lafayette County
Madeleine C. Mennemeyer (Troy, MO), Zone 12, Johnson County

Troop B

Travis M. Wood (Macon, MO), Zone 5, Adair and Schuyler Counties
Santi J. Wilgus (Kansas City, MO), Zone 6, Clark and Scotland Counties

Troop C

Adam P. Billiot (Washington, MO), Zone 4, St. Louis County
Nicholas J. Bringer (Monticello, MO), Zone 13, Jefferson County
Jack J. Collins (Bolivar, MO), Zone 13, Jefferson County
Trey A. Gaedke (Newburg, MO), Zone 3, South St. Louis and Jefferson Counties
Mayer E. Mitchell (Ballwin, MO), Zone 16, Ste. Genevieve and Perry Counties
Eric R. Sikes (Sacramento, CA), Zone 2, North St. Louis County
Richard J. Waite (Troy, MO), Zone 5, Pike and Lincoln Counties
Clayton J. Walker (Marble Hill, MO), Zone 14, St. Francois and Washington Counties

Troop E

Denny J. Smith (Poplar Bluff, MO), Zone 2, Butler and Ripley Counties
Gregory A. Bixler (New Madrid, MO), Zone 8, Pemiscot and New Madrid Counties
Taylor J. Wiebe (Wichita, KS), Zone 8, Pemiscot and New Madrid Counties
Jaxton B. Edwards (Harrison, AR), Zone 10, Dunklin County

Troop F

Shayla C. Latture (Branson, MO), Zone 16, Camden and Miller Counties
Bailey N. Hunsicker (Nixa, MO), Zone 16, Camden and Miller Counties

Troop G

Noah G. Britt (Gainsville, MO), Zone 8, Carter and Reynolds Counties

Troop H

Saxton W. Pliley (Jamesport, MO), Zone 10, Daviess and Dekalb Counties
Jackson D. Schmedding (Clinton, MO), Zone 1, Atchison and Holt Counties

Troop I
Peyton L. Mason (Webb City, MO), Zone 8, Laclede County

Springfield sewer rates to increase July 1

(From the City of Springfield)

Customers on City sewer service will see a planned rate increase beginning July 1, in order to continue improving the City’s aging sewer system and to remain in compliance with federal Clean Water Act regulations. 

The City of Springfield contracts with City Utilities for sanitary sewer services billing, so customers will notice this change on their August CU bills.

Sewer rates are based on water consumption calculated by averaging water usage for January, February and March, to avoid summer irrigation, car washing, filling up pools, etc. 

This is because the majority of residents’ water goes down drains and toilets and ends up in the wastewater system. Springfield Environmental Services charges a base customer charge and an additional charge for each 100 cubic feet (CCF) of water used. One CCF equals 748 gallons.

An average residential customer uses 6 CCF and currently receives a bill for $37.63 per month. Following the July 1, 2022 effective date, a residential user with 6 CCF use will receive a bill for $39.60.

Springfield sewer rates are consistently below averages of similar cities within Missouri and the Midwest, according to a recently conducted benchmark survey of wastewater charges of communities within the state of Missouri and a broader Midwest region. Results of the survey indicate that:

Springfield’s monthly residential cost is 18% less than average cities in Missouri and 14% less than average Midwest cities.

 
Springfield’s monthly commercial cost is 41% less than average cities in Missouri and 43% less than average Midwest cities.

 
Springfield’s monthly industrial cost is 26% less than average cities in Missouri and 13% less than average Midwest cities.

Springfield has also recently modified their consent decree that includes a $300 million, 15-year plan for renewal of its collection system and treatment facilities. This investment program is expected to be completed with future rate adjustments remaining aligned with inflation as experienced by the general economy. Thus, for the foreseeable future, Springfield’s sewer rates are expected to remain low compared with other cities.

The 2022 rate increase is the third in a series of increases approved by City Council in January 2020. This rate structure will last through June 2023 and is consistent with the recommendations of a community stakeholder group appointed to consider changes to Springfield’s wastewater system, including rates.