Honduran national indicted for child sexual exploitation

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

A Honduran national was indicted by a federal grand jury today for the sexual exploitation of a child.

Celso Noe Chacon-Arriaga, 22, who was residing in Springfield at the time of the offense, was charged in a two-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Springfield. Today’s indictment replaces a federal criminal complaint that was filed against Chacon-Arriaga on Aug. 8, 2024.

Today’s indictment alleges that Chacon-Arriaga used a minor victim to produce child pornography from Nov. 21 to Dec. 30, 2020. Chacon-Arriaga is also charged with receiving and distributing child pornography.

According to an affidavit filed in support of the original criminal complaint, Chacon-Arriaga engaged in sexually explicit conversations over Facebook Messenger with an 11-year-old victim. The child victim sent several sexually explicit images and videos to Chacon-Arriaga.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie L. Wan. It was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Springfield, Mo., Police Department, and the Southwest Missouri Cyber Crimes Task Force.

Springfield business owner indicted for illegal firearm

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

A Springfield, Mo., business owner was indicted by a federal grand jury today for illegally possessing a firearm.

Garry Earl Shidler, 49, was charged with one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Springfield. Shidler is the owner of Chappell’s Tire in Springfield.

Today’s indictment alleges that Shidler was in possession of a Colt 5.56-caliber semi-automatic rifle with a 30-round magazine on Dec. 18, 2023.

Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Shidler has three prior felony convictions for burglary and prior felony convictions for forgery, tampering and trafficking in stolen identities.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael S. Oliver. It was investigated by the Springfield, Mo., Police Department, the Dallas County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Republic man dead following rollover crash on 39

A Republic man was killed in a one-vehicle accident 11:15 a.m. today on MO 39 four miles north of Miller.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2013 Chevrolet Cruze driven by Justin B. Warnow, 34, Republic, traveled off the right side of the roadway, struck a utility pole and overturned.

Lawrence County Coroner Scott Lakin pronounced Warnow dead at the scene.

The fatality was the 69th this year for Highway Patrol Troop D. 

Paul Mueller Company investing $22 million in Springfield, adding 133 jobs

(From the Missouri Department of Economic Development)

Paul Mueller Company, a manufacturer of stainless steel tanks, components, and equipment that serves various industries, announced today that it will expand in Springfield, investing $22 million and creating 133 new jobs. 

This first phase of the company’s expansion includes the establishment of a new facility that will increase its capacity for the assembly of large production modules.

“Paul Mueller Company’s new facility is another example of the exciting growth happening across southwest Missouri,” said Governor Mike Parson. “Our investments to improve infrastructure and strengthen our workforce continue to produce results that are making a lasting difference for Missourians. Paul Mueller Company, as a world-class manufacturer that began right here in our state, is another quality employer we’re excited to see succeeding in the Springfield area.”

Paul Mueller Company’s new production facility will add more than 100,000 square feet of space, including 60,000 square feet of clear-span, climate-controlled production area. The company’s expansion will also double its R&D square footage, enhancing its ability to innovate while adding new production capabilities and capacity for increased operational flexibility.

“We are proud to break ground on this 100,000-square-foot facility in Springfield, Missouri,” said David Moore, President and CEO of Paul Mueller Company. “It will provide a column-free open manufacturing space where we can assemble and test larger systems for our pharmaceutical, food, beverage, and chemical customers. Our coworkers have made this possible by safely providing increased value to our customers, resulting in the largest backlog and highest profitability in our history. The facility will also expand product development and training capabilities to support our growth. We look forward to continuing to offer our customers the talents of our coworkers and the resources of Springfield when the facility opens next year.”

Designed with energy efficiency in mind, Paul Mueller Company’s new facility will also include enhanced amenities to ensure employee comfort in addition to advanced training opportunities that reinforce the company’s commitment to excellence in manufacturing. The company held a groundbreaking event today near the corner of Phelps Street and LaFontaine Avenue in Springfield to commemorate its expansion.

“We’re proud to continue to support Paul Mueller Company as it furthers its legacy of helping Missourians prosper in Springfield,” said Michelle Hataway, Director of the Department of Economic Development. “This expansion is the latest chapter of the company’s long history of contributions to southwest Missouri and its vibrant manufacturing industry. We’re grateful for Paul Mueller Company’s ongoing commitment to our state and appreciate our partners who helped ensure its continued growth.”

For this expansion, Paul Mueller Company will benefit from the Missouri Works program, a tool that helps companies expand and retain workers by providing access to capital through withholdings or tax credits for job creation. The company is also receiving assistance from Missouri One Start, a division of the Department of Economic Development. Missouri One Start assists eligible businesses with their recruitment and training needs.

What others are saying

"We are excited to celebrate this significant milestone with the Paul Mueller Company," said Springfield Mayor Ken McClure. "We are so fortunate to have a global company with such a positive local impact right here in Springfield. Since 1940, the Paul Mueller Company has helped Springfield become known as one of the world’s leaders in stainless steel manufacturing. This expansion will help further that reputation."

"The Chamber is thrilled about this expansion," said Matt Morrow, President of the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce. "The growth of Paul Mueller has always had an incredible ripple effect on the local economy for over 80 years, and their reputation as a global leader in stainless steel manufacturing that started right here in Springfield is just one of the things that sets this community apart. Springfield grows its own, and Paul Mueller's continued investment and leading job creation is a great example of what we are capable of achieving."

"It is always a good thing to see manufacturers growing and expanding," said Michael Eaton, Executive Director of the Missouri Association of Manufacturers. "Manufacturing is a vital part of the economy and important to a community, providing jobs and opportunities. 

"Paul Mueller Company has been one of those flagship manufacturing companies here in Springfield, establishing southwest Missouri as the Stainless Steel Tank capital of the world - spanning other manufacturing operations in the region and supporting this community. This expansion demonstrates how critical manufacturing growth is to economic growth."

About Paul Mueller Company

Paul Mueller Company, headquartered in Springfield, Missouri, has manufacturing and sales operations in Iowa, the Netherlands, and Vietnam. Paul Mueller Company employees build innovative processing equipment worldwide for dairy farms, food and beverage, pharmaceutical, and chemical facilities.

To learn more about Paul Mueller Company, visit paulmueller.com.

Former Willard mayor sentenced for fraud scheme

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

A former mayor and alderman of Willard, Mo., was sentenced in federal court today for a five-year-long scheme in which he used personal identity information to steal nearly $300,000 from more than 500 truck drivers who worked for his employer.

Corey Louis Hendrickson, 46, of Springfield, Mo., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Brian C. Wimes to three years in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Hendrickson to pay $298,737 in restitution.

On Oct. 24, 2023, Hendrickson pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft. Hendrickson, who served as Willard’s mayor from 2015 to 2021 before being elected as an alderman in 2022, resigned from his position on the Willard Board of Aldermen the same day.

Hendrickson admitted that he gained unauthorized access to the fuel expense accounts of more than 500 individuals and conducted more than 1,000 fraudulent transactions that resulted in at least $298,737 being stolen from his victims. Hendrickson’s fraud scheme lasted almost five years, from Sept. 9, 2016, to Aug. 17, 2021.

Hendrickson worked as a fleet dispatcher for Prime, Incorporated, a freight transportation and logistics trucking company that is headquartered in Springfield. Prime contracted with ComData to serve as a payment processor and issuer of fleet fuel cards, and to maintain the financial accounts of Prime drivers that were used to pay for fuel costs as needed by the truck drivers. Prime put funds into each driver’s ComData account, which was then utilized for driving expenses such as fuel. ComData cards were used by the drivers like a bank card.

Hendrickson used his computer access to steal the identity information of drivers and withdraw nearly $300,000 from the accounts intended to pay for the fuel costs for drivers employed by Prime. He transferred the stolen funds into his personal bank accounts.

According to court documents, Hendrickson’s victims incurred losses that ranged between less than $100 to $6,495, with the average loss of a few hundred dollars for each Prime driver’s account.

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

Charges filed in connection with strangulation death of Springfield man

(From the Springfield Police Department)

On Aug. 22, 2024, at 12:09 a.m., Springfield police officers responded to a 911 caller stating a man tried to strangle his father at 2247 N. Lyon.

Officers talked to the victim, identified as Michael Masterson, 62, from Springfield, at the location. A few blocks away, officers located the suspect, identified as Joshua Masterson, 36, from Des Moines, Iowa.

 

During the investigation, Joshua Masterson was taken to the hospital for medical treatment while Michael Masterson stayed at the home. Officers left the location at 12:43 a.m.; however, at 12:46 a.m., another 911 call was received stating that Michael Masterson was unresponsive inside the residence.

Michael Masterson was transported to a local hospital where he later died. Michael Masterson’s family has been notified.

Joshua Masterson was arrested and booked into the Greene County Jail. The case was presented to the Greene County Prosecutor’s Office and Joshua Masterson was charged with 2nd degree murder with no bond.







The Greene County Prosecutor’s Office cautions that the charges contained in the felony complaint are merely allegations and that the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.

Detectives continue to investigate and ask anyone with additional 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) or online at p3tips.com.

This is Springfield’s eighth homicide investigation in 2024 with the 10th victim for the year.

Republic woman arrested for DWI after hitting, killing pedestrian

(From the Springfield Police Department)

On Aug. 8, 2024, at 10:33 p.m., officers with the Springfield Police Department responded to a vehicle crash involving a pedestrian near 2119 N. Glenstone Avenue.

Shannon Kersey, 45, from Republic, was driving southbound on Glenstone Avenue near Andy’s Frozen Custard in a 2007 Saturn Sky. Gary Noel, 75, from New London, was crossing the street from east to west when the Saturn hit him in the southbound lanes. Noel was transported to the hospital with serious injuries. Kersey was arrested for DWI.

The Springfield Police Department was notified by the Greene County Medical Examiner’s Office on Aug. 19, 2024, that Noel died from the injuries he sustained in the crash on Aug. 17, 2024. Noel’s family has been notified.

The circumstances of the crash are part of an ongoing investigation. Anyone with information is requested to contact the Springfield Police Department at 417-864-1810 or the tips hotline at 417-869-TIPS (8477) or online at p3tips.com.

This was Springfield’s 15th fatal motor vehicle crash in 2024.

Springfield man admits traveling to have sex with minor

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

A man from Springfield, Missouri on Monday admitted being intercepted by police while trying to have sex with a teen from Lincoln County.

Jonathan Mauser-Campbell, 29, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in St. Louis to a felony charge of possession of child pornography. He admitted that on Dec. 2, 2022, he drove from Springfield to Lincoln County, Missouri, to pick up an underage girl from her home. Mauser-Campbell planned to take her to a campground to engage in sex acts with her.

 

During a traffic stop, however, officers with the Hawk Point Police Department rescued her after realizing the girl was underage and had run away from home to be with Mauser-Campbell. A later analysis of Mauser-Campbell’s cell phone uncovered over 300 images/videos containing child pornography.

The Hawk Point Police Department, the FBI and the St. Charles Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Dianna Edwards is prosecuting the case.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Department of Justice Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

Monett Police Department Monthly Activity Report

 

Stockton man charged with domestic assault, unlawful use of weapon

(From Missouri State Highway Patrol)

The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control announces the arrest of Jason L. Johnson, 49, of Stockton, Missouri. 

Johnson was formally charged on August 8, 2024, with one count of third degree domestic assault, one count of unlawful use of weapon, one count of first degree harassment, and one count of armed criminal action. These charges are the result of an investigation by the Troop D Criminal Investigations Unit of the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control.

On June 23, 2024, Cedar County Sheriff James McCrary requested the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control investigate an alleged assault involving Johnson. The St. Clair County Prosecuting Attorney was appointed as the special prosecutor in the case. On August 7, 2024, after reviewing the Patrol’s investigation, a Cedar County warrant was issued for Johnson’s arrest. On August 8, 2024, Johnson turned himself into the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, where he posted a $5000.00 bond.

The above charges are a mere accusation and is not evidence of guilt. Evidence in support of these charges must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.

Springfield Police arrest woman for elder abuse, kidnapping, car theft

(From the Springfield Police Department)

On Saturday afternoon, officers responded to the report of kidnapping at the 900 block of W. Kearney. A victim reported his vehicle had been stolen with his elderly wife still in the vehicle.

 
Shortly after, officers received information that an elderly woman was lying on the side of the road near High and Golden. She was transported to the hospital with minor injuries. 

Officers later located the stolen truck along with two children who had been reported missing in the 2800 block of N. Oakland.

 
Michelle Porter, 40, was arrested and booked into the Greene County Jail for elder abuse, kidnapping, and tampering.

Springfield pedestrian struck, killed at intersection of Hayes Avenue, Blaine Street

(From the Springfield Police Department)

On July 13, 2024, at 9:16 p.m., officers with the Springfield Police Department responded to a vehicle crash, involving a pedestrian, near the intersection of Hayes Avenue and Blaine Street.

John Slaner, 33, from Springfield, was walking on Blaine Street near Hayes Avenue when he was hit by an unknown vehicle. Officers located Slaner unresponsive on the scene. He was transported to the hospital for medical treatment.







Slaner died on Aug. 3, 2024, from his injuries, and his family has been notified.

The driver of the vehicle has not yet been identified.

The circumstances of the crash are part of an ongoing investigation. Anyone with information is requested to contact the Springfield Police Department at 417-864-1810 or the tips hotline at 417-869-TIPS 

This was Springfield’s 13th fatal motor vehicle crash in 2024.

 

Springfield Police investigate fatality crash

(From the Springfield Police Department)

On Aug. 3, 2024, at 8:03 p.m., officers with the Springfield Police Department responded to a single vehicle crash near the intersection of Mt. Vernon Street and Miller Avenue.

Taylor Renfrow, 34, from Pembroke, Kentucky, was driving a Honda Element westbound on Mt. Vernon Street near Miller Avenue. The vehicle left the roadway, striking a culvert, utility pole, and fence. Renfrow was transported to the hospital with life-threatening injuries.

 

On Aug. 4, 2024, Renfrow died at the hospital. Renfrow’s family has been notified.

Speed and impairment are believed to be factors in this incident.

The circumstances of the crash are part of an ongoing investigation. Anyone with information is requested to contact the Springfield Police Department at 417-864-1810 or submit an anonymous call to Crime Stoppers at 417-869-TIPS (8477) or online at p3tips.com.

This was Springfield’s 14th fatal motor vehicle crash in 2024.

Springfield man killed in collision at Glenstone and Portland

(From the Springfield Police Department)

On Aug. 2, 2024, at 11:48 p.m., officers with the Springfield Police Department responded to a vehicle crash in the intersection of Glenstone Avenue and Portland Street.

Alan Matney, 30, from Springfield, was driving a Doodlebug mini-bike southbound on Glenstone Avenue approaching Portland Street. A Dodge Journey, driven by Ed Davis, 48, from Springfield, was turning west onto Portland from Glenstone. The two vehicles collided in the intersection.

 

Matney was pronounced deceased at the scene. Matney’s family has been notified.

The circumstances of the crash are part of an ongoing investigation. Anyone with information is requested to contact the Springfield Police Department at 417-864-1810 or the tips hotline at 417-869-TIPS 

This was Springfield’s 12th fatal motor vehicle crash in 2024.

Billings woman killed in pickup-bicycle collision

A Billings woman was killed in an accident 3:12 p.m. Friday on Route K a quarter of a mile north of Union City.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2020 Ford F150 driven by Daniel B. Drewery, 76, Springfield, crested a hill and struck the bicycle being ridden by Bobbie R. Ogle, 33, Billings.

Billings was pronounced dead at 4:36 p.m. at Cox South Hospital, Springfield.

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