Kimberling City man killed in accident on James River Road

A Kimberling City man was killed in a one-vehicle accident 10:23 p.m. Tuesday on James River Road in Kimberling City.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 1991 Chevrolet Astro minivan driven by Steven L. Shook, 59, Kimberling City, traveled off the roadway and struck a tree.

He was pronounced dead at Cox South Hospital, Springfield, at 12:37 a.m. Wednesday.

The fatality was the 35th this year for Highway Patrol Troop D. 

Mount Vernon woman indicted for conspiracy to purchase hundreds of lottery tickets with stolen credit cards

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

A Mt. Vernon, Mo., woman was indicted by a federal grand jury today for leading a conspiracy to purchase nearly 2,000 lottery tickets with stolen credit cards.

Amy Young, 31, was charged in a two-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Springfield, Mo.

Today’s indictment alleges that Young obtained stolen credit cards and led a conspiracy to use those stolen credit cards to purchase lottery tickets from a Phillips 66 Fuel Station in Joplin, Mo., between July 22 and Aug. 18, 2022. Young allegedly enlisted the help of others to contact the Missouri Lottery Commission to obtain cash prizes for any winning lottery tickets that were fraudulently purchased using stolen credit cards. They kept a portion of the money for themselves and turned over the rest of the money to Young.

According to the indictment, Young used stolen credit cards to purchase at least 1,957 Missouri Lottery tickets with a value of $62,082. Additionally, Young and her co-conspirators received $54,248 in cash prizes for the winning tickets purchased using stolen credit card numbers.

In total, between the fraudulent credit card transactions and the prize money fraudulently received, Young and her co-conspirators fraudulently received at least $116,330.

Today’s indictment charges Young with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of wire fraud (related to the fraudulent purchase of $480 in lottery tickets with a stolen credit card on Aug. 18, 2022).

The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Carney. It was investigated by the FBI.

Monett Police: Do you know these guys?

 

(From the Monett Police Department)

The Monett Police Department is trying to identify these two individuals who were involved in a burglary in Monett. 

The male subject has what appears to be tattoos on both forearms and his right calf. They appear to be driving a light blue or grey minivan, possibly a Kia Sedona. 

If you have any information on either of these subjects, contact the Monett Police Department at 417-235-4241 or Crimestoppers at 1-888-635-8477. 

Springfield, Willard residents indicted in cocaine conspiracy

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

Three southwest Missouri residents are among five defendants indicted for their roles in a drug-trafficking conspiracy after federal agents seized 16 kilograms of cocaine while arresting two co-defendants in Texas.

Mario Jose Castillo, 55, of Springfield, Mo.; Christhian Eduardo Cruz-Pineda, 22, a citizen of Honduras residing in Springfield; Johnathan David Emerson, 47, a resident of Willard, Mo.; and Bryan Ramirez-Aguero, 33, a citizen of Honduras, and Erika Martinez Hernandez, 40, a citizen of Mexico, both residing in Grand Prairie, Texas, were charged in a 10-count superseding indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Springfield.

Today’s superseding indictment replaces an indictment returned on April 10, 2024. Today’s superseding indictment contains the same or similar charges as the original indictment, but increases the amount of cocaine allegedly distributed in the drug-trafficking conspiracy and lengthens the timeframe of the conspiracy to incorporate an additional drug seizure.

Federal agents arrested Ramirez-Aguero and Martinez Hernandez on April 11, 2024. At the time of their arrest for the original indictment, agents seized approximately 16 kilograms of cocaine and $145,123 from their residence. Today’s superseding indictment reflects that drug seizure.

The federal indictment alleges that all five of the defendants participated in a conspiracy to distribute cocaine from Dec. 12, 2021, to April 11, 2024.

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

Castillo, Emerson and Martinez Hernandez are charged together in one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering. Castillo and Martinez Hernandez are charged together in one count of unlawfully using a telephone to facilitate the drug-trafficking conspiracy. Castillo and Emerson are charged together in one count of money laundering.

Emerson and Cruz-Pineda are charged together in one count of possessing 500 grams or more of cocaine with the intent to distribute.

Cruz-Pineda is charged with one count of being an unlawful user of a controlled substance in possession of a firearm.

The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica R. Eatmon. It was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, IRS-Criminal Investigation, the Springfield, Mo., Police Department, and the Greene County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department.

Springfield sex offender sentenced to 15 years for child pornography

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

A Springfield, Mo., man who is a registered sex offender was sentenced in federal court today for receiving child pornography, which was discovered on his cell phone during an investigation into threats he made to a sheriff’s department employee.

Joshua Emanuel Wood, 46, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Bough to 15 years in federal prison without parole. The court also sentenced Wood to 10 years of supervised release following incarceration.

On Dec. 12, 2023, Wood pleaded guilty to one count of receiving and distributing child pornography.

Wood is required to register as a sex offender due to his 2018 conviction of possessing child pornography. The investigation began when Wood left 41 threatening voice mail messages on May 29 and 30, 2022, for the employee of the Greene County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department who was in charge of registering sex offenders. The sex offender registrar reported those threats and law enforcement officers arrested Wood; the state felony charge related to this harassment is still pending.

Wood had a Google Pixel cell phone in his possession when he was arrested. Investigators found child sexual abuse material on the phone, including 107 images of child pornography, including depictions of infants being raped, as well as web searches for child pornography and visits to suspected child pornography websites. 

According to court documents, the forensic analysis of Wood’s cell phone demonstrated that he had been wiping his cell phone frequently, and the child pornography files had been received over a period of just a few days. Because he was regularly wiping his cell phone, it is difficult to know the extent of his involvement with child pornography.

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, the Southwest Missouri Cyber Crimes Task Force, and the Springfield, Mo., Police Department.

Intersection of 97 and 37 in Pierce City to be closed

(From MoDOT)

Intersection of Missouri Route 97 and Route 37 closed for intersection improvements in Pierce City Beginning Tuesday, May 28

Where: Intersection of Missouri Route 97 (Elm Street) and Route 37 (Commercial Street) CLOSED for intersection improvements in Pierce City

When: Tuesday, May 28 until Wednesday, June 5

What: Contractor crews to upgrade and replace intersection to conform to Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements. This is part of a project to upgrade sidewalks along various routes in Christian and Lawrence Counties.

Traffic Impacts

Intersection of Missouri Route 97 (Elm Street) and Route 37 (Commercial Street) CLOSED in Pierce City

Drivers urged to find alternate routes

No signed detours are planned

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

Weather and/or scheduling conflicts could alter the work schedule.

Two Eagle Rock women suffer serious injuries in crash on 86

Three Eagle Rock residents were injured in a one-vehicle accident 2 p.m. today on MO 86 one mile east of Eagle Rock.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2016 Buick Envision driven by Dawna D. Headgepath, 67, Eagle Rock, traveled off the right side of the roadway and struck a sign and a guy wire for a pole.

Headgepath was airlifted to Cox South Hospital, Springfield, with serious injuries.

Two passengers, Lorrie A. Campbell, 52, and Viola D. Boggs, 69, both of Eagle Rock, were treated for serious and minor injuries, respectively, at Cox South. 

Three Branson men arrested for assault, woman in critical condition

(From the Branson Police Department)

On Sunday, May 5th, around 10:30 pm, Branson Police Officers received a report of a serious assault that had occurred at a camp in the area of Animal Safari Road and Fall Creek.

 
Responding officers found a female with critical injuries and immediately summoned emergency medical assistance from the Branson Fire Department and Taney County Ambulance. The victim, an adult female, was transported to a hospital in Springfield for life saving care. The victim remains in critical condition and it is too early for a long term prognosis.

 
Due to the seriousness of the assault, Branson PD mobilized its Detective Services personnel for the investigation. Teaming with patrol officers, Detectives were able to collect evidence and apprehend three suspects in the assault within hours of the initial call. These individuals were arrested and booked into the Taney County Jail on the following charges, which were filed by the Taney County Prosecutor's Office:

• Anthony G. Ambriz, 32, of Branson:
Assault 1st Degree - Serious Physical Injury or Special Victim
Armed Criminal Action

• Ethan C. Brodie, 31, of Branson:
Assault 1st Degree - Serious Physical Injury or Special Victim
Armed Criminal Action

• Conner L. Tuttle, 19, of Branson:
Domestic Assault, 1st Degree, Serious Physical Injury
Armed Criminal Action

This case remains an active investigation and the victim remains in Branson PD's thoughts and prayers. Any questions relating to charges should be directed to the Taney County Prosecutor.

Oklahoma prisoner sentenced for operating Greene, Polk County meth conspiracy from jail cell

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

An inmate of the Lawton Correctional Facility in Oklahoma has been sentenced in federal court for leading a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in Greene and Polk Counties while he was incarcerated.

Joshua A. Ramirez, 39, who has no legal address, was sentenced by U.S. Chief District Judge Beth Phillips on Tuesday, May 7, to 26 years in federal prison without parole. Ramirez was sentenced as a career criminal due to his prior felony convictions.

On Aug. 16, 2023, Ramirez pleaded guilty to participating in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Ramirez admitted that he facilitated large methamphetamine transactions from within the Oklahoma Department of Corrections. Ramirez utilized drug couriers to transport methamphetamine and collect proceeds from several co-conspirators in southwest Missouri and elsewhere. Ramirez used a source of supply in Juarez, Mexico.

According to court documents, Ramirez is responsible for the distribution of 907 kilograms of methamphetamine.







During the time of this drug-trafficking conspiracy, Ramirez was serving a state felony sentence in Oklahoma for distributing a controlled substance and waiting to be released and transferred to federal custody to begin serving a 20-year prison sentence in a separate and unrelated case for distributing a controlled substance in the Northern District of Texas.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica R. Eatmon. It was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, the Springfield, Mo., Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, and the El Dorado Springs, Mo., Police Department.

Springfield man sentenced for heroin conspiracy

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

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

James D. Elbert, 42, was sentenced by U.S. Chief District Judge Beth Phillips to 10 years in federal prison without parole.

On July 5, 2023, Elbert pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute heroin. Elbert admitted that he participated in a conspiracy to distribute at least 100 grams of heroin in Greene County from Oct. 2, 2015, to Nov. 13, 2017. Elbert admitted that, on three separate occasions, he sold a total of 6.86 grams of heroin to a law enforcement undercover informant in Springfield.

Elbert is the ninth and final defendant to be sentenced in this case.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Randall D. Eggert and Cameron A. Beaver. It was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, IRS-Criminal Investigation, the Springfield, Mo., Police Department, the Greene County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department and the Ozark, Mo., Police Department.

Forsyth man drowns while fishing at Bull Shoals Lake

A Forsyth man drowned 2:08 p.m. Tuesday at Mile Marker 82- White River Arm in Bull Shoals Lake. 

According to the Highway Patrol report, Larry Dilday, 75, Forsyth, was fishing from the bank, fell into the water and was found floating face down.

Dilday was pronounced dead at the scene at 2:44 p.m.

The drowning was the second this year for Highway Patrol Troop D.

Jury convicts El Dorado Springs man on child pornography charge

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

An El Dorado Springs, Mo., man who was caught with thousands of images and videos of child pornography was convicted at trial today.

John Fitzgerald Mullings, 51, was found guilty of two counts of receiving and distributing child pornography.

Law enforcement received multiple reports from MeWe, Dropbox and Snapchat of Mullings uploading images and videos of child pornography to their servers. Investigators contacted Mullings at his residence on March 2, 2021. Officers seized Mullings’s cell phone, which contained 678 images and 96 videos of child pornography, including rape and/or bondage of minors.

Mullings was indicted on one count of receiving and distributing child pornography from Feb. 2, 2020, to March 2, 2021, based on these images and videos.

On Aug. 3, 2022, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Mullings’s residence (which also served as the office for his business, Steward Wrecker) in relation to an unrelated state criminal investigation. Officers seized 14 cell phones, multiple computers, laptop computers and computer tablets, as well as electronic storage devices. Investigators conducted a forensic examination of those devices and determined that 11 of those electronic devices contained child pornography. On just one of Mullings’s tablets investigators found 5,197 images and 211 videos. The files included visual depictions of sexual conduct with animals, binding and/or forced sexual contact with persons, and physical assault and deceased persons. In total, investigators found 14,249 images, and 2,054 videos of child pornography among Mulling’s devices.

Mullings was charged in a superseding indictment with an additional count of receiving and distributing child pornography from March 3, 2021 to Aug. 3, 2022, based on these images and videos.

Following the presentation of evidence, the jury in the U.S. District Court in Springfield, Mo., deliberated for 27 minutes before returning guilty verdicts to U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool, ending a trial that began Monday, May 6.

Under federal statutes, Mullings is subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in federal prison without parole, up to a sentence of 40 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 Stephanie L. Wan and James J. Kelleher. It was investigated by the Barry County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, the Cassville, Mo., Police Department, the El Dorado Springs, Mo., Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, the Springfield, Mo., Police Department, and the Southwest Missouri Cyber Crimes Task Force.

Mount Vernon police detective helps woman whose dog was attacked, killed

(From the Mount Vernon Police Department)

On 04/23/2024 Detective Dunklin of the Mount Vernon Police Department received a commendation from Police Chief Dave Hubert and the City of Mount Vernon for an act of kindness he performed outside the scope of his duties.

 
On 04/06/2024 Detective Dunklin responded to an animal attack call on Center St. in Mount Vernon. The caller’s dog had been attacked and killed by loose dogs in her backyard, she also suffered injuries from the animal attack.

 
After the victim was transported by Mercy EMS, Detective Dunklin took it upon himself to bury the dog for the victim in her backyard under a shady tree and write her a note expressing his condolences and his action of burying the animal, so she did not have to see him in the state he was in. 

Detective Dunklin’s actions express humanity and compassion beyond the badge and uniform.

Aurora-Marionville Police Department has four new tasers

(From the Aurora-Marionville Police Department)

AMPD took delivery of and will be deploying four new Taser 10 Tasers. In previous versions, the cartridge only fired once. 

If the Taser failed, officers had to move quickly into a different level of force, possibly deadly. This made things more dangerous for officers and suspects.

 
With this new version, the Taser is loaded with 10 darts that can be fired in semi-automatic fashion. This gives us nine more chances of ending a dangerous situation safely and hopefully without injuries to suspects and especially our staff. 

Additionally, these units are equipped with high definition cameras that record the events leading up to Taser deployment to be used for evidence and accountability.

Springfield man arrested after threatening to kill everyone inside building

(From the Springfield Police Department)

On Friday afternoon, officers responded to the 2700 block of E. Sunshine. 

Shane Silvey, 39, entered a secure area of the building and threatened to kill everyone inside. When approached, Silvey fled on foot. Officers located Silvey and he was taken into custody. 

Silvey was arrested and booked into the Greene County Jail for terroristic threats, trespassing and an outstanding warrant.

Springfield man killed in collision, other driver leaves the scene

(From the Springfield Police Department)

On May 4, at 3:35 a.m., officers with the Springfield Police Department responded to a vehicle crash at Cherry St. and Oak Grove Ave.

Bryan Hasler, 44, from Springfield was driving a Jeep Commander eastbound on Cherry St., when he attempted to pass a silver sedan. The sedan hit Hasler’s Jeep, causing the Jeep to leave the road, and hit a pole. The silver sedan left the scene. The make and model of the silver sedan is unknown.

Hasler was transported to the hospital where he later died. Hasler’s family has been notified.

The circumstances of the crash are part of an ongoing investigation.

Anyone with information about the crash should contact the Springfield Police Department at 417-864-1810 or the tips hotline at 417-869-TIPS.

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

Search continues for Aurora absconder who abandoned car and meth

(From the Aurora-Marionville Police Department)

Early this morning, the Aurora-Marionville Police Department attempted a traffic stop in the northern area of the city of Aurora. The black Chevrolet Traverse failed to stop and engaged our officers in a short pursuit. The vehicle crashed on Carnation street near Farm Road 2195. When it crashed, the driver exited and ran.

 
The driver has been identified as Jamie Cook of Aurora. Cook is wanted by the Missouri Department of Corrections as an absconder. We have no information leading us to believe he is armed. He was last seen wearing a black t-shirt.

 
Several law enforcement agencies are in the area with a perimeter set up and we intend to take him into custody peacefully unless he decides otherwise. Some fully rested and excellent K9’s are looking for him. Getting bit or not will be his decision.

We have his methamphetamine and the car secured. If you see him, please call 911 immediately and don’t approach. We will update the community when we have more information.

Bolivar teen killed in dirt bike accident

A Bolivar teen was killed in a one-vehicle accident 6 p.m. Monday on East 540th Road two miles west of Pleasant Hope.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2022 Honda CRF125F driven by a 15-year-old Bolivar boy went out of control on a rutted roadway and overturned with the boy falling off.

The boy was pronounced dead at the scene at 6:47 p.m.

The fatality was the 27th this year for Highway Patrol Troop D.

 

Springfield CPA pleads guilty to stealing $400,000 from trust fund

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

A Springfield, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to embezzling more than $400,000 from a trust fund under his control.

Ray Leonard Marple, 61, waived his right to a grand jury and pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge David P. Rush to a federal information that charges him with one count of wire fraud and one count of making a false federal tax return.

Marple, a certified public accountant, has been operating his own accounting firm since 1999. By pleading guilty today, Marple admitted that he embezzled approximately $432,981 from a revocable trust account from July 7, 2017, through May 3, 2023, following the death of the grantor.

According to the plea agreement, Marple would have been entitled to trustee fees less than $2,500 annually, or $17,500 total for the seven years, significantly less than he withdrew from the trust account for personal purposes. Marple therefore stole at least $415,481 from the trust account. Marple admitted he used proceeds from the fraud scheme to purchase his residential property in Springfield.

Marple also admitted that he under-reported his income on federal tax returns from 2018 to 2020. Marple earned nearly $177,000 in taxable income that was not reported over those three years, for which he owes $59,622 in federal income taxes.

Under the terms of today’s plea agreement, Marple must pay up to $415,481 in restitution to the trust and at least $59,622 in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service, as ordered by the court. Marple also must forfeit to the government a money judgment of $415,481 and his Springfield residential property.

Under federal statutes, Marple is subject to a sentence of up to 23 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Carney. It was investigated by IRS-Criminal Investigation and the FBI.

Stockton man killed in head-on car-tractor collision

A Stockton man was killed in a two-vehicle accident 5:45 p.m. Saturday on County Road 1801 seven miles south of Stockton.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2011 GMC Sierra driven by Edward T. Hargrave, 41, Stockton, and a John Deere tractor driven by Joey E. Gray, 50, Stockton, collided head on.

Dr. David Darmsteadter pronounced Gray dead at 7:49 p.m. at Citizens Memorial Hospital, Bolivar.

The fatality was the 26th this year for Highway Patrol Troop D. 

Eight Cassville residents, including 6 children, injured in collision on 76

Eight Cassville residents were injured in a two-vehicle collision 3:20 p.m. Friday on MO 76 one mile east of Exeter.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2015 Ford Flex driven by Samantha J. Slavens Mason, 30, Cassville, failed to yield to a 2010 Infiniti QX56 driven by Ashley M. Easter, 35, Cassville. Both vehicles traveled off the right side of the roadway.

Slavens Mason was treated for serious injuries and two passengers in her vehicle, William V. Mason and an 11-year-old boy, both of Cassville, for minor injuries at Mercy Hospital, Rogers, Arkansas.

Easter was treated for serious injuries at Mercy Springfield.

Four passengers in the Easter vehicle, a 5-year-old girl, a 7-year-old boy, a 10-year-old boy and an 11-year-old girl, all of Cassville, were treated for minor injuries at Cox Monett.  

West Plains man sentenced for harvesting trees in national forest

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

A West Plains, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for illegally harvesting and stealing trees from Mark Twain National Forest.

Justin Lee Massey, 40, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Roseann Ketchmark to two years and six months in federal prison without parole. 

The court ordered the federal sentence to be served consecutively to the unrelated state criminal convictions for which Massey is currently incarcerated. The court also ordered Massey to pay $30,000 in restitution to the U.S. Forest Service and to forfeit to the government $30,000, which represents the proceeds of his theft.

On July 19, 2023, Massey pleaded guilty to one count of theft of government property. Massey admitted that he illegally cut down trees in Mark Twain National Forest, in the area of HC Road 5120 in Howell County, Mo., between Dec. 15, 2020, and Jan. 20, 2021.

According to his plea agreement, Massey cut down at least 10 trees. The trees were removed from the area and taken to a local sawmill, where they were sold. Based on the value of the trees illegally harvested and stolen from Mark Twain National Forest and those trees damaged due to the illegal harvesting, the total restitution is $30,000.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Carney. It was investigated by the U.S. Forest Service.

Republic man pleads guilty to fentanyl trafficking, illegal firearm

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

A Republic, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to illegally possessing fentanyl to distribute and several firearms following two instances in which he fled from law enforcement officers.

Tonikko Fewell, 34, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool to two counts of possessing fentanyl with the intent to distribute, one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm.

On Aug. 16, 2021, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Fewell’s residence. Fewell drove by his residence while officers were executing the search warrant. Officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop, but Fewell dropped off a female passenger and quickly sped away at speeds over 100 miles per hour. Officers discontinued the pursuit over public safety concerns.

Officers searched Fewell’s residence and found approximately 588 grams of fentanyl, $3,420 in cash, and an Anderson .223-caliber semi-automatic rifle, which had been reported stolen, with a fully loaded 40-round magazine. Officers also found a Jimenez Arms 9mm semi-automatic pistol that had been reported stolen and a Walther 9mm semi-automatic pistol in a vehicle parked at the residence.

On Dec. 8, 2021, a Springfield, Mo., police detective attempted to conduct a traffic stop of an orange Cadillac Fewell was driving. The detective did not pursue the vehicle, but shortly afterward saw the vehicle had been involved in a three-car accident at the intersection of Commercial Street and National Avenue. The detective searched the vehicle and found 54 grams of fentanyl and $4,232 in cash. Fewell, a passenger, and their 2-year-old daughter were transported to the hospital for treatment.

Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Fewell has a prior felony conviction for unlawful use of a weapon.

Under federal statutes, Fewell is subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in federal prison without parole, up to a sentence of life 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 James J. Kelleher. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Springfield, Mo., Police Department, the Greene County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, the Republic, Mo., Police Department, and the Christian County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department.

Branson Police mourn passing of former officer

(From the Branson Police Department)

BPD is hurting. Many in the community already know but we wanted to acknowledge the passing of retired Officer Frank Hirahara.

 
Frank served the citizens of Branson honorably for 12 years, from 2008 until he retired in 2020. During that time, Frank served in Patrol, SWAT, K9, and finished his BPD career as a Detective. Frank was K9 Tygo's first handler and ultimately left BPD to pursue his passion in training canines for others.

 
Frank grew up in this community and we know he touched many lives throughout his time here. We have been in contact with Frank's family as they process their loss and they have relayed his love of his police career.

 
We are praying for Frank and his family and are thankful for our time with him!

Betsy Cannella named Springfield Public Schools Teacher of the Year

(From Springfield Public Schools)

Betsy Cannella was named 2024-2025 Teacher of the Year for Springfield Public Schools Friday, April 19, during Celebrate SPS, an event hosted by Foundation for Springfield Public Schools.

Cannella is currently an engineering teacher at Kickapoo High School. She started her career with SPS in August 2008 as a gifted education teacher and taught at Glendale High School before joining the KHS staff. During her tenure at SPS, Cannella has taught gifted education, art, physical education and science. She has also coached tennis, robotics and softball.

Cannella shared, “I strive to establish an interactive, hands-on, and engaging classroom space where students can utilize multiple senses to enhance their learning experience. Students of all types can find success in my classroom and hone their skills across various disciplines. There is limitless potential for innovation and rigor, benefiting both students and teachers alike.”

Three additional finalists were also celebrated during the event: Julie Buerke, Fremont Elementary, vocal music teacher; Alicia Johnson, Twain Elementary, first grade teacher; and Laurie Macy, Pipkin Middle School, special education teacher.

Cannella will continue on to compete in the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s regional competition. Winners at the regional level will advance to the Missouri State Teacher of the Year competition.

Springfield man killed in collision at Sunshine and Scenic

(From the Joplin Police Department)

On April 16, at 7:38 p.m., officers with the Springfield Police Department responded to a two-vehicle crash at Sunshine St. and Scenic Ave.

Jordan Oswalt, 29, from Springfield, was driving a Jeep Grand Cherokee northbound on Scenic at Sunshine. Mischelle Moore, 55, from Rocky Comfort, was driving a white Honda Odyssey van westbound on Sunshine. The two vehicles collided in the intersection and Oswalt was ejected from the vehicle.

Oswalt was transported to the hospital where he later died. Oswalt’s family has been notified.

The circumstances of the crash are part of an ongoing investigation.

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

 

Springfield Police make arrest following assault at 128 Park Central

(From the Springfield Police Department)

On Saturday evening, officers responded to the report of an assault at 128 Park Central.

 
The two victims were transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The suspect, Michael Wallace, 34, was identified and located a short distance from the scene.

 
Wallace was arrested and booked into the Greene County Jail for assault. Rocio Orozco, 39, was also arrested for an outstanding warrant.

Springfield woman killed in car-bicycle collision

A Springfield woman was killed in a two-vehicle collision 2:35 p.m. Monday on Highway YY a half mile east of Springfield.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a Cannondale One bicycle ridden by Renee B. Griffith Grantham, 34, Springfield, failed to yield to a 2004 GMC Yukon driven by Jeremy L. Compton, 50, Strafford.

Grantham was pronounced dead by Dr. Funk at Cox South Hospital, Springfield, at 3:10 p.m.

The fatality was the 23rd this year for Highway Patrol Troop D.

 

Springfield man killed in fiery crash

(From the Springfield Police Department)

On April 12, 2024, at 12:36 p.m., the Springfield Police Department responded to a vehicle crash at Crenshaw and Ridgecrest.

Andrew Hendrix, 35, from Springfield, was driving a black Chevrolet Corvette northbound on Crenshaw, approaching Ridgecrest, when it went off the east side of the road, hit a tree and caught fire. A piece of debris hit a southbound 2001 Gray Buick.

 

Hendrix died at the scene. Hendrix’s family was notified.

The circumstances of the crash are under ongoing investigation.

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

Lampe teen killed in car-mini-bike collision

A Lampe man was killed in a two-vehicle collision 3:35 p.m. Saturday on MO 13 three miles south of Lampe.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2017 Coleman mini-bike driven by Taylor A. Phillips, 18, Lampe, pulled into the path of a 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 driven by David I. Shuppert, 66, Blue Eye.

Mercy EMS supervisor Blake Fox pronounced Phillips dead at the scene at 3:44 p.m.

The fatality was the 22nd this year for Highway Patrol Troop D.

Miller man flown to Mercy Springfield following motorcycle crash

A Miller man was injured in a one-vehicle accident 2:25 p.m. today on MO 39 four miles south of Greenfield.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2003 Kawasaki EX400 driven by Matthew B. Maas, 21, Miller, lost control on a curve went off the right side of the road, hit a fence pole and overturned.

Maas was airlifted to Mercy Springfield with serious injuries.

 

Taney County Dissolution of Marriage Petitions

Brian Stafford vs. Celeste Stafford

Jose D. Guilarte vs. Fabiana V. Romero Bravo

John Germann vs. Samantha Germann

Harald Hesseltine vs. Kelly F. Hesseltine

Riley S. Bradley vs. Jayamikah B. Osborn

 

Stone County Dissolution of Marriage Petitions

Heather D. Logan vs. Mary D. Logan

Amy B. Wilson vs. Jason M. Wilson

 

Polk County Dissolution of Marriage Petitions

Kathryn L. Skinner vs. Ross Skinner

Brittaney Carr vs. George Carr

 

Lawrence County Dissolution of Marriage Petitions

Jason L. Bland vs. Leighann N. Bland

Dawn H. Tyler vs. Richard C. Tyler

 

Greene County Dissolution of Marriage Petitions

Rebecca Dawn Pashia vs. Robert Bruce Pashia

Christina Lindsey Dowdle vs. Ashton Nicholas Dowdle

Melissa Eddings vs. Theodore Eddings

Sally Ussery vs. Jamie Ussery

Amanda D. Thompson vs. Charlie B. Thompson

Scott Schmid vs. Jennifer Schmid

Jeffrey L. Mindock vs. Paige K. Mindock

Christopher N. Perkin vs. Vanessa A. Perkin

Landon S. Callahan vs. Katherine M. Callahan

Laura Washington vs. Adrian W. Washington

Stephanie Lynn McKinnis vs. Chad Douglas Blevins

Daniel S. Emerson vs. Shivonne L. Emerson

Maranda R. Velazquez vs. Jose A. Velazquez

Sara Ann Buckner vs. Ryan Lee Buckner

Jennifer L. Whitehead vs. Edward J. Whitehead

Matthew J. Venaas vs. Alden J. Venaas

Stephen P. Collison vs. Marianne L. Hibler

Shatara K. Wright vs. Andre Mendoza III

Erica A. Sepulveda vs. Gonzalo Sepulveda

Barry County Dissolution of Marriage Petition

Jana S. Joeckel vs. Benjamin F. Joeckel