Springfield man sought on sexual misconduct, felony stealing charges

 

Springfield Police arrest High on meth, marijuana charges

(From the Springfield Police Department)

On Tuesday morning, officers were dispatched to check a vehicle in the 500 block of W. Mt. Vernon.

Upon contacting the occupants of the vehicle, the officer noticed that Mark High, 35, had cash in both hands. 

The officer asked High to get out of the vehicle and when he did, a clear plastic bag with a crystalline substance fell out. Following a search of the vehicle, a large amount of marijuana, methamphetamine, and cash was seized.

 
High was arrested and booked into the Greene County Jail for delivery of a controlled substance.

Springfield-Greene County Health Department pauses COVID booster shots until new booster arrives

(From the Springfield-Greene County Health Department)

Today, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration authorized two new vaccine booster dose types that are more effective against the existing variants of COVID-19. 

With today’s authorization of the new formula, existing vaccine types are no longer authorized as booster doses for individuals 12 years of age and older. 

Therefore, beginning today, Springfield-Greene County Health cannot offer booster doses to individuals 12 years and older, temporarily.

While the new Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna booster doses have been approved by the FDA, authorization from the Center for Disease Control & Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and the Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services is still required. Once these approvals have been granted and the new vaccines have been received, the Health Department will begin offering the new booster doses to all those who are eligible. Springfield-Greene County Health expects to have the new booster doses by mid-September, but no firm date has been determined.

Once final approval is received, the new Moderna booster dose will be available for individuals 18 years and older and the new Pfizer-BioNTech booster dose will be available for those 12 years and older. These booster doses should be administered at least two months after the primary series or most recent booster dose.

In the meantime, the Health Department is still offering primary series vaccinations (first and second doses) to those who have yet to be vaccinated against COVID-19, as well as the existing booster doses to children 5 to 11 years old.

Individuals who receive a primary (first or second) dose and children 5 to 11 who receive their first booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at a Health Department clinic will continue to receive a $50 gift card while supplies last. Individuals should visit vaccine417.com or call the COVID-19 call center for all vaccine questions and availability.

Task force continues review of Springfield Public Schools' needs

(From Springfield Public Schools)

For the past two months, the Community Task Force on Facilities has been meeting to evaluate the current condition of SPS school buildings, prioritize the need for improvements, and recommend next steps. This week, the task force reached the midway point of its work.

In June, the Board of Education charged the group with determining what facility improvement projects need to be completed to ensure all SPS students have access to safe and quality learning environments.

 

Since its first meeting in July, task force members have met five times to review and study data and tour district schools. The group has reviewed demographic and enrollment data, economic and growth trends, funding structures and the district’s facilities master plan.

“We are pleased with the progress we have made so far. It was a steep learning curve to start but we have had some very informative presentations and thoughtful conversations about the data,” said David Hall, co-chair.

The group has also visited 12 schools, including Bingham, Bissett, Bowerman, Delaware, Pershing, Robberson and Rountree elementary schools; Pipkin and Reed middle schools; the new Jarrett Middle School, which is still under construction; and Glendale and Hillcrest high schools.

“These tours have been great opportunities for the entire group to see first-hand the pressing needs in some of our schools,” said Bridget Dierks, co-chair. “They have also provided inspiration for how we might improve facilities to ensure all students in the district have quality learning environments.”

Meeting agendas and minutes, along with some of the data reviewed by the task force, may be viewed here.


Future meetings, which are open to the public, are scheduled for Sept. 13, Sept. 20, Oct. 4 and Oct. 18 (if needed).

Later this fall, the task force will present to SPS board members and administrators its recommendations for high priority projects that are needed to ensure students have quality learning environments.

Task force members include parents, staff, students and community members from all SPS feeder patterns.

Bridget Dierks, Co-Chair
Mike Brothers
Cheryl Clay
Tyler Creach
Rich Dameron
Janet Dankert
Mark Dixon
Melanie Donnell
Craig Edwards
Jim Farrell

Emily Givens
Margo Griffith
Josh Groves
Brandy Harris
Carl Herd
Trevor Holt, Student Representative
Sophia Leonard, Student Representative
David Hall, Co-Chair
Marshall Kinne
Tom Prater
Crystal Quade
Royce Reding
Joy Robertson
Tim Rosenbury
Keke Rover
Jacob Ruder
Teresa Simpson
Mark Stratton
Becky Volz
Jeff Wells
Paul Williams
Scott Crise, Board Liaison
Steve Makoski, Board Liaison
Shurita Thomas-Tate, Board Liaison

For more information, visit www.sps.org/facilitytaskforce.

Fair Play man flown to Cox South after rollover crash on 32

A Fair Play man was injured in a one-vehicle accident 12:20 p.m. today on MO 32, two miles west of Bolivar.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2006 Saturn Ion driven by Robert D. Worthington, 29, Fair Play, ran off the roadway and overturned.

Worthington was airlifted to Cox South Hospital, Springfield, to be treated for serious injuries.

Highway Patrol Arrests August 30-31

Heltina Neibe Arikita, 27, Noel, Noel Police Department misdemeanor warrant for no valid license

Miles A. Clancy, 37, Marshfield, Pulaski County felony warrant for probation violation- original charge possession of a controlled substance, Sacramento, California felony warrant for parole violation- original charge dangerous drugs, speeding

Anna L. Manes, 68, Springfield, Greene County misdemeanor warrants for no insurance and traffic violation

Maranda L. Garner, 26, Springfield, driving while intoxicated, careless and imprudent driving

Chanleigh S. Stiles, 20, Branson West, possession of marijuana

Shawn M. Boehme, 26, Branson, possession of marijuana

Donald G. Zimmerman, 47, Aurora, Stone County felony warrant for probation violation- possession of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana

Ryan W. Budd, 18, Rogersville, possession of marijuana

Amos J. Caldwell, 18, Rogersville, possession of marijuana

Lawrence County Route V Bridge over Williams Creek to close

(From MODOT)

Lawrence Co. Route V Bridge Over Williams Creek to CLOSE Week of Sept. 12 for Rehabilitation

Contractor crews are set to CLOSE the Lawrence County Route V bridge over Williams Creek west of Mt. Vernon for up to 75 days beginning the week of September 12 to rehabilitate the bridge, 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, object markers at the ends of the bridge, an upgraded drainage system and new permanent striping. The bridge also will be widened by two feet.

This bridge was built in 1960 and is in a deteriorating condition. Approximately 800 vehicles cross the bridge daily.

Traffic Impacts

All lanes of Route V will be CLOSED over Williams Creek for up to 75 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

Drivers will be directed to a signed detour using Lawrence County Road 1100, Lawrence County Route OO and Missouri Route 39

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 work is part of a three-year project to improve 25 bridges within 15 miles of I-44 across the Southwest District. Of the 25 bridges in the project, known as the I-44 Corridor Bridge Bundle, seven (7) are mainline I-44 bridges, five (5) are I-44 overpass bridges and the remaining bridges are on adjacent routes over various features. Sixteen (16) bridges will be replaced and nine (9) bridges will receive major rehabilitation work.

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.

Highway Patrol Arrests August 29-30

Jay C. Schmidt, 56, Kansas City, driving while intoxicated, careless and imprudent driving

Nathan D. Rogers, 41, Marshfield, felony probation and parole warrant for receiving stolen property, tampering with a motor vehicle

Colbi L. Ewing, 44, Republic, possession of a controlled substance-methamphetamine, felony possession of a forgery instrument, speeding, driving while revoked, unlawful use of drug paraphernalia, possession of a controlled substance- THC wax, no insurance

Krystal R. Lambert, 36, Joplin, driving while intoxicated, failed to make right turn as close to the curb as practical, failed to drive in a single lane, failed to drive in the right lane, failed to stop for steady red signal, speeding, no insurance

Charges filed against Springfield teen who allegedly stole car, hit school bus

(From the Greene County Sheriff's Office)

Over the weekend, 19-year-old, Cory Moore, was charged with Tampering with a Motor Vehicle 1st Degree, Resisting Arrest by Fleeing, and two counts of Leaving the Scene of an Accident, with a $25,000.00 Open Court Bond. 

These charges stem from the incident that occurred late Friday afternoon.

Original news release

This afternoon, Greene County Deputies located a stolen Blue Ford F250 in the area of Kearney Street and Glenstone Avenue. 

Deputies initiated a traffic stop and the stolen vehicle came to a brief stop and then fled from Deputies. The vehicle fled on Kearney Street hitting a vehicle at Glenstone Avenue. 

The stolen vehicle continued to flee and caused a secondary traffic accident at the intersection of Kearney Street and Barnes Avenue. The stolen vehicle hit two vehicles including a school bus, no children were aboard.

 
Two suspects in the stolen vehicle attempted to flee on foot after the vehicle was inoperable but were quickly taken into custody by Greene County Deputies.

 
The victims reported minor injuries and were treated on scene by EMS. Both suspects were taken to the Greene County Jail.

 
There is no threat to the public. Charges will be filed on both suspects.

Springfield Police make six arrests, including five for DWI, during saturation patrol

(From the Springfield Police Department)

On August 27, the Springfield Police Department conducted a six-hour saturation patrol focused on arresting impaired drivers. There were 81 vehicles stopped during this patrol. 

As a result, five drivers were arrested for driving while intoxicated and one driver was arrested for an outstanding warrant.

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

With the holiday weekend approaching, drivers should make plans now for how to safely get home from their holiday celebrations.

Drunk driving is not worth the consequences. If you drink and drive, you lose.

The saturation patrol is funded through a grant from the Missouri Department of Transportation Traffic and Highway Safety Division.

Pierce City man suffers serious injuries in motorcycle accident

A Pierce City man was injured in a one-vehicle accident 9:50 a.m. today on MO 97, five miles southwest of Monett.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2004 Kawasaki KL250 motorcycle driven by Darren Essary, 37, Pierce City, traveled off the right side of the roadway and overturned.

Essary was treated for serious injuries at Freeman West Hospital, Joplin.

Highway Patrol Arrests August 28-29

Isaac R. Jenkins, 19, Bolivar, possession of marijuana

Ezekiel R. Partin, 20, Bolivar, possession of marijuana

Brandi N. Plopper, 42, Pierce City, felony cultivation of marijuana, felony possession of marijuana, felony possession of a controlled substance- hydrocodone, felony possession of a controlled substance- methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia

Jyrelle D. Smith, 34, Miami, Oklahoma, Holt County warrants for no valid license, speeding and no seat belt

Roxsan Castro, 45, Southwest City, felony leaving the scene of a crash, driving while intoxicated

Megan N. Green, 27, Fort Scott, Kansas, possession of marijuana, unlawful use of drug paraphernalia, failure to display valid registration

William R. Denning, 61, Stockton, felony driving while intoxicated, speeding, failure to yield, window tint violation

Jacob S. Stephens, 22, Washburn, driving while intoxicated, careless and imprudent driving, no seat belt

Kyle J. Davenport, 26, Joplin, driving while intoxicated, careless and imprudent driving, no valid license

Brandon S. Erbschole, 26, Tunas, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving while revoked, no insurance, no seat belt 

Highway Patrol Arrests August 27-28

Thai Khao-On, 32, Cassville, felony driving while intoxicated, leaving the scene of an accident, careless and imprudent driving involving an accident, no valid license, no seat belt, no insurance

Douglas C. Myers, 60, Springfield, driving while intoxicated, speeding, possession of drug paraphernalia

Crystal M. Carl, 39, Osceola, driving while intoxicated, no valid license, no seat belt

Andrew D. Farabee, 36, Springfield, Springfield Police Department warrant for failure to appear on registration violation, speeding

Aaron C. Owens, 42, Monett, felony driving while intoxicated 

Kimberling City couple killed in fiery crash

Two Kimberling City residents were killed in a one-vehicle crash 8:40 a.m. today on MO 413, three miles south of Galena.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2019 Kia Optima driven by Kenneth F. Runge, 84, Kimberling City, failed to negotiate a curve, ran off the left side of the road, struck a tree and caught fire.

Stone County Coroner John Cunnyngham pronounced Runge and a passenger, Sharon L. Runge, 80, Kimberling City, dead at the scene at 9:02 a.m.

The fatalities were the 81st and 82nd this year for Highway Patrol Troop D.

 

Highway Patrol Arrests August 26-27

Miquel L. Hassell, 31, Springfield, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, speeding

Dylon L. Pfeifer, 22, Oak Grove, possession of marijuana

Marquise O. Shaw, 21, Springfield, possession of marijuana

Mitzie G. Wacaster, 61, Garfield, Arkansas, Barry County misdemeanor warrant for failure to appear on bad checks, driving while suspended

Dani L. McRae, 32, Rogersville, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia

 

Highway Patrol Arrests August 25-26

Jackie C. Younger, 67, Lowry City,  felony driving while intoxicated, failure to drive on right side of the road causing an accident

Justin L. Walker, 40, Marshfield, felony vehicular assault, trespassing

Highway Patrol Arrests August 24-25

Andrea N. Bowman, 36, Hollister, driving while intoxicated (drugs)

Juan E. Amador, 24, Wagoner, Oklahoma, driving while intoxicated, speeding, careless and imprudent driving

Caleb B. Horton, 29, Springfield, possession of marijuana, speeding

Angela K. Heck, 53, Quincy, Illinois, possession of marijuana, driving while revoked, failure to display valid plates

 

Branson aldermen vote to buy White House Theater, convert it into police station

(From the City of Branson)

After hearing the results of the feasibility study, inspections and cost analysis, the Branson Board of Aldermen unanimously voted to approve a resolution to continue with the purchase of the old White House Theater located at 2255 Gretna Rd for the proposed new Branson Police Headquarters and Public Safety Complex at its regular Board meeting on August 23, 2022.

In addition to a phase 1 environmental assessment, roof analysis, asbestos survey and mold analysis, Hoeffer Welker, LLC architecture firm presented a preliminary feasibility study of the building which provided a basic space analysis and overview of converting the theater to a public safety building.

Additionally, it provided an estimated cost analysis and a cost comparison between building a new building at the Forsythe Road location and repurposing the White House Theater property. The cost comparison shows an estimated $6.3 million in savings by moving forward with the purchase of the White House Theater. It is also anticipated the construction and move in time for the Police Department will be significantly sooner than the Forsyth Road location.

The 65,000 sq. foot building cost $2.5 million and would be purchased through the reserve funds of the half-cent Public Safety Sales Tax that was passed in 2017.

To watch the full discussion and presentation, find the August 23, 2022 Board of Aldermen meeting at BransonMo.Gov/Livestream. You can find the cost analysis, resolution and staff report in the “HTML Agenda Packet” for the Aug 23, 2022 Board of Aldermen meeting on the Agenda & Minutes page of the City’s website. For more information about this project, click on the blue tab labeled “City Projects – A Look at Where Our City is Headed” on the City’s website, BransonMo.Gov.

Lawrence County Sheriff: Do you know these guys?

(From the Lawrence County Sheriff's Office)

We need your help identifying these two suspects. Call Sgt. Phillips 417-466-2131 ext 2351 or ext 7, email our business page, or message us on Facebook.

Greene County Sheriff Office- Wednesday's Wanted

 

Springfield Police: From the Blotter

(From the Springfield Police Department)

Last week, officers received information about two juveniles missing from Branson. 

On Saturday night, officers responded to a downtown apartment for a well-being check. The two missing juveniles were identified and taken into protective custody. 

Rashaud Johnson, 21, was also in the apartment with the juveniles. Johnson was arrested and booked into the Greene County Jail for several outstanding warrants. 

Officers responded to a shots fired call in the 2500 block of W. Elm on Tuesday evening. 

The victim reported that Aaron Swift, 35, threatened her with a gun then fired a shot as she fled the house. After a short barricade, Swift came out of the house and was taken into custody. 

Swift was arrested and booked into the Greene County Jail for domestic assault and unlawful use of a weapon as well as for two outstanding warrants.

Highway Patrol Arrests August 22-23

Cortez J. Pope, 36, Bolivar, felony unlawful possession of a firearm

Dustin A. Goar, 40, Reeds Spring, Kimberling City misdemeanor warrants for failure to appear on speeding and no driver's license

Hayden L. McDonald, 30, Diamond, possession of marijuana

 

Highway Patrol Arrests August 21-22

Isaiah J. Darris, 24, Jennings, Texas County felony warrant for burglary, Pulaksi County misdemeanor warrant for traffic offense, Laclede County misdemeanor warrant for traffic offense, no insurance

Alwaine G. Murray, 45, Branson, driving while intoxicated, no valid license, following too closely

Martin E. Hernandez, 32, Springfield, driving while intoxicated

Patrick J. Willis, 31, Springfield, driving while intoxicated, speeding

Devon M. Schaefer, 32, Florissant, driving while intoxicated, speeding

Colton N.  Moses, 25, Joplin, possession of marijuana, failure to register motor vehicle

Teri A. Townsend, 31, Eagle Rock, Barry County misdemeanor warrant for failure to appear on no valid license, resisting arrest, felony possession of a controlled substance- methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia

Victor M. Retana, 38, Topeka, Kansas, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, no valid license, speeding

Cody R. Veach, 36, Troy, Ohio, felony possession of a controlled substance- fentanyl, driving while intoxicated, possession of drug paraphernalia

Brian A. Coble, 37, Bolivar, possession of marijuana, no insurance, no seat belt

Route 37-Dry Branch Bridge near Pierce City open to traffic

(From MODOT)

Missouri Route 37-Dry Branch Bridge Near Pierce City OPEN to Traffic

Where: Missouri Route 37 bridge over Dry Branch near Pierce City

When: As of 12:30 p.m., Friday, August 19

Details: This bridge closed in late May while contractor crews replaced the old bridge with a new, 28-foot-wide structure, which is slightly wider than the previous bridge.

This work was part of a three-year project to improve 25 bridges within 15 miles of I-44 across the Southwest District. Of the 25 bridges in the project, known as the I-44 Corridor Bridge Bundle, seven (7) are mainline I-44 bridges, five (5) are I-44 overpass bridges and the remaining bridges are on adjacent routes over various features. Sixteen (16) bridges will be replaced and nine (9) bridges will receive major rehabilitation work.

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

.

Billings man killed in collision north of Republic

A Billings man was killed in a two-vehicle collision 2:01 p.m. Friday on Route N, one mile north of Republic.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 1986 Ford Ranger driven by Thomas R. McPhetridge, 59, Billings, failed to stop for a stop sign and struck the driver's side of a 2012 Hyundai Veloster driven by Kasey S. Belasco, 42, Springfield.

The McPhetridge vehicle overturned off the roadway ejecting McPhetridge. Greene County Medical Examiner Thomas Van De Berg pronounced McPhetridge dead at the scene.

Belasco was treated for moderate injuries at Mercy Springfield.

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

Highway Patrol Arrests August 19-20

Dylan M. Engleman, 26, Arnold, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia

Dalton M. Rice, 25, St. Louis, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia

Montana L. Kane, 25, Maize, Kansas, felony possession of a controlled substance- cocaine

Alex A. Reed, 29, Wichita, Kansas, felony possession of a controlled substance- cocaine

Kiley R. Brannon, 27, Columbia, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia

Erin N. Rogers, 27, Columbia, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia

Travis A. Ruf, 45, Lees Summit, driving while intoxicated, speeding

Vincent P. Castro, 25, Anderson, felony vehicular homicide second degree, felony driving while intoxicated, careless and imprudent driving resulting in a crash, no insurance

Preston T. Harris, 36, Springfield, driving while intoxicated

Spencer C. Christerson, 23, Joplin, driving while intoxicated

Shelby L. Goff, 25, Joplin, driving while intoxicated, failed to drive in a single lane, failed to drive in the right lane

Justus L. Loehr, 22, Bolivar, felony possession of a controlled substance- methamphetamine, no insurance, no seat belt

Miranda D. Butler, 30, Reeds Spring, driving while intoxicated

Anthony D. Mize, 29, Lamar driving while intoxicated

Damon F. Smith, 21, Springfield, felony delivery of a controlled substance, felony possession of a controlled substance- suspected oxycodone pills, felony unlawful use of a weapon, failure to display valid plates. no seat belt

Cora M. Edmondson, 47, Butterfield, Barry County misdemeanor warrant for driving while revoked, passing on the right

Mexican national sentenced to 17 years for sexual exploitation of 11-year-old Springfield girl

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

A Mexican national who was illegally in the United States has been sentenced in federal court for soliciting pornographic images and videos from an 11-year-old victim over Facebook Messenger.

Alejandrino Velazquez-Hernandez, 34, of Springfield, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool on Tuesday, Aug. 16, to 17 years and six months in federal prison without parole. Velazquez-Hernandez had been ordered removed from the United States on Nov. 19, 2013, after failing to appear for his immigration hearing.

On Feb. 8, 2022, Velazquez-Hernandez pleaded guilty to the sexual exploitation of a child. Velazquez-Hernandez admitted that he used an 11-year-old child, identified in court documents as “Jane Doe,” to produce child pornography in Greene County, Mo., from Oct. 1, 2020, through April 1, 2021.

Velazquez-Hernandez communicated with the child victim on the Facebook Messenger application, through which she sent him pornographic images and videos at his request. They made several plans to meet but they were never able to be alone.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie L. Wan. It was investigated by the Greene County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, Homeland Security Investigations, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the Springfield, Mo., Police Department.

Nixa man arrested on domestic assault, weapons charges after allegedly shooting woman

(From the Greene County Sheriff's Office)

Thursday morning around 1:10 hours, Greene County Deputies responded to the area of Farm Road 178 and Williams Drive for a possible shooting. 

When deputies arrived, they located a female with a single gunshot wound. 

The female was transported to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries. A male suspect was taken into custody and is currently being held at the Greene County Jail.

The suspect, 23-year-old Eugene Keiber Junior, Nixa, has been charged with Domestic Assault 1st Degree, Armed Criminal Action and Unlawful Use of a Weapon with NO BOND.

Highway Patrol Arrests August 18-19

Levi R. Duley, 22, Webb City, driving while intoxicated, failed to stop for flashing red signal, speeding, failed to drive in a single lane

Anna A. Tuning, 19, Buffalo, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia

Tial Cung, 44, Indianapolis, Indiana, driving while intoxicated

Fred S. Hong, 44, Los Angeles, California, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia

Jonathan M. Wilson, 31, Merriam Woods, felony possession of a controlled substance- methamphetamine

Jayson A. Ross, 33, St. Louis, St. Charles County felony warrants for drugs and unlawful possession of a firearm

Andrea J. Savala, 31, Humansville, felony possession of a controlled substance- ecstasy, felony possession of a controlled substance- methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving while suspended, no insurance, failure to display valid plates

Highway Patrol Arrests August 17-18

Nathan D. Lund, 27, Carthage, felony driving while intoxicated, felony leaving the scene of an accident, failed to drive on right half of road, failed to stop for stop sign, no valid license, no valid license plate

Timmy D. Branham, 35, Galena, possession of marijuana

Sarah L. Chambers, 40, Kimberling City, Kimberling City Police Department misdemeanor warrant for shoplifting

Amiee N. Miederhoff, 35, Pittsburg, Dallas County misdemeanor warrant for driving while revoked

 

Mount Vernon native named Highway Patrol Troop D commander

(From the Missouri State Highway Patrol)

Colonel Eric T. Olson, superintendent of the Missouri Highway Patrol, announces the following promotion effective September 1, 2022.

Lieutenant D. Scott Sater, Troop D, Springfield, MO, is being promoted to captain and named commanding officer of Troop D.

Sater was appointed to the Patrol on July 1, 1988, as a member of the 60th Recruit Class. 

Upon graduation from the Patrol Law Enforcement Academy, he was assigned to Troop A, Benton County. He was promoted to the rank of corporal in December 1993 and was designated assistant zone supervisor of Cass County. He was promoted to sergeant and named the zone supervisor of Johnson County in August 1999. 

Sergeant Sater was promoted to lieutenant on February 1, 2005, and was assigned to Troop A Headquarters, Lee’s Summit, as the special operations lieutenant. He transferred to Troop D on December 10, 2007, where he served as a member of the troop staff.

Capt. Sater graduated from Mount Vernon High School in 1983. He attended Missouri Southern University, Joplin, and graduated in 1987 with a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice. 

Prior to his appointment with the Patrol, he was employed as a patrolman with the Mount Vernon Police Department in Mount Vernon, MO.
Capt. Sater completed the IACP Leadership In Police Organizations course in 2016.

Miller man cited for DWI, vehicular assault, Mount Vernon woman suffers serious injuries in head-on crash

A Miller man was cited for driving while intoxicated and felony vehicular assault following a two-vehicle collision 3:45 p.m. Tuesday on MO 174, a quarter-mile east of Mount Vernon.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2008 Ford Mustang driven by Robert M. Moya, 52, Miller, crossed the center line and struck a 2011 Honda Accord driven by Brooke S. Wendler, 23, Mount Vernon, head on.

Wendler was treated for serious injuries at Mercy Springfield.

Moya, who was treated for moderate injuries at Mercy Aurora, was also cited for careless and impruding driving involving a crash.

Highway Patrol Arrests August 16-17

Kenneth L. Cowin, 21, Monett, possession of THC wax, possession of drug paraphernalia

Olivia S. Kinyon, 46, Buffalo, felony possession of a controlled substance- methamphetamine, no seat belt, no valid plates, Dallas County misdemeanor warrants for no seat belt and no registration, Polk County misdemeanor warrant for possession of drug paraphernalia

Robert M. Moya, 52, Miller, felony vehicular assault, driving while intoxicated, careless and imprudent driving involving a crash

D. J. J. Sass, 25, Joplin, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia

Rolland L. Fausett, 20, Bolivar, driving while intoxicated, speeding (100 in a 55 zone) 

Former Springfield resident pleads guilty to role in multi-million dollar stolen catalytic convert conspiracy

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

A former Springfield woman pleaded guilty in federal court today to her role in a conspiracy to transport tens of thousands of stolen catalytic converters across state lines as part of a multi-million-dollar business.

Danielle Ice, 34, of Columbia, pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool to participating in a conspiracy to transport stolen property across state lines.

Ice is the last of seven defendants indicted in this case to plead guilty. Ice’s husband and co-defendant Leslie Ice, 37, as well as co-defendants Cody Ryder, 31, Enx Khoshaba, 29, and Eric Kaltenbach, 37, all of Springfield, and Evan Marshall, 24, and Camren Joseph Davis, 25, of Rogersville, also have pleaded guilty.

By pleading guilty today, Danielle Ice admitted that she and Leslie Ice stole at least 50 catalytic converters and sold them directly to Marshall. Marshall paid Danielle and Leslie Ice approximately $20,000 for stolen catalytic converters.

The Ices began stealing catalytic converters for Marshall in October 2020 and continued stealing catalytic converters, and selling them to Marshall, through at least March 2021. They photographed the victims’ catalytic converters while the catalytic converters were still attached to the victims’ vehicles and sent the photographs via SMS text message to Marshall. Marshall would then determine whether the victims’ catalytic converters were valuable. If Marshall responded that a catalytic converter was valuable, Leslie Ice removed the victim’s catalytic converter by cutting it from the victim’s vehicle’s exhaust system using a battery-powered reciprocating saw. Leslie and Danielle Ice then sold the stolen catalytic converter to Marshall.

Marshall provided Leslie Ice with a list of vehicles, by year, make, and model, that had valuable catalytic converters so that he could target specific vehicles from which to steal catalytic converters.

Marshall also gave Danielle Ice approximately $1,500 in cash in January 2021 so she could post Leslie Ice’s bond in a state criminal case in which he was being detained. Marshall provided Leslie Ice’s bond money so that he would be released from custody and could continue to steal catalytic converters and sell them to Marshall.

Marshall admitted that he transported stolen catalytic converters, valued at $1 million or more, across state lines from December 2019 to October 2021. Marshall also admitted that he bought tens of thousands of stolen catalytic converters directly from his co-defendants and from other thieves, and sold the stolen catalytic converters for a total of approximately $1 million.

Under federal statutes, Danielle Ice 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. Attorneys Shannon T. Kempf and Megan W. Chalifoux. It was investigated by the Springfield, Mo., Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, IRS-Criminal Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Christian County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, the Webster County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, the Missouri Department of Revenue and the Greene County, Mo., Prosecuting Attorney.