Barry County Route B west of Purdy to be reduced to one lane

(From MoDOT)

TRAFFIC ALERT: Barry Co. Route B Reduced to One Lane West of Purdy Dec. 15-18

Where: Barry County Route B approximately 1.5 miles west of Purdy

When: Around the clock Monday-Thursday, December 15-18

What: MoDOT crews working on culvert

Traffic Impacts

Route B reduced to one (1) lane where crews are working

Traffic will be controlled by temporary signals alternating traffic through the work zone

No signed detours

Drivers urged to find alternate routes

Signs and message boards will alert drivers approaching the work zone

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

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

Springfield gang member sentenced for illegal firearm

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

A Springfield, Mo., man with ties to a local gang was sentenced in federal court today to illegally possessing a stolen firearm that has been connected to two shootings.

Jayden Isaac Simmonds, 19, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool, to 63 months in federal prison without parole for being an unlawful user of a controlled substance while in possession of a firearm.

Simmonds, who pleaded guilty on May 19, 2025, admitted he possessed a stolen Smith and Wesson 10mm semi-automatic pistol, was a daily user of marijuana, and addicted to fentanyl. Simmonds also admitted to being a member of a local gang known as the “1500” which is closely associated to another area gang, FTO.

On Jan. 30, 2024, the Springfield Police Department responded to a car accident. One of the drivers indicated that his two passengers, which included Simmonds, had fled the scene and taken the driver’s two firearms with him. The following day, police responded to a drive-by shooting and located shell casings which were consistent with the firearm that Simmonds had taken on Jan. 30, 2024.

On Aug. 23, 2024, Simmonds’s father turned in the Smith & Wesson pistol to the Springfield Police Department. Investigators later learned that the pistol had been stolen.

Following his arrest, Simmonds told investigators he had been using marijuana daily since he was 11 or 12 years old, that he had been using opioids since he was around 15 or 16, and had been using fentanyl.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie L. Wan. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Christian County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department and the Springfield, Mo., Police Department.

Republic man killed as Freightliner collides with motorcycle

A Republic man was killed in a two-vehicle collision 1:15 p.m. Saturday on Sawyer Road west of Highway MM in Republic.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2007 Freightliner driven by a 49-year-old Kansas City man made a left turn into the path of a 2022 Kawasaki motorcycle driven by a 67-year-old Republic man, who was ejected from the vehicle.

Dr. Kari Cooper pronounced the man dead at Cox South Hospital at 2:07 p.m.

The fatality was the 118th this year for Highway Patrol Troop D. 

Aurora man killed in ATV accident

An Aurora man was killed in a one-vehicle accident 5:11 a.m. today on Farm Road 1245 seven miles northwest of Cape Fair.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2002 Yamaha ATV driven by a 24-year-old Aurora man traveled off the right side of the roadway and overturned ejecting the driver.

The driver was pronounced dead at Cox Branson Hospital at 6 a.m.

The fatality was the 108th fatality for Highway Patrol Troop D.

Springfield man sentenced to 15 months for stealing mail from post office boxes

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

On Sept. 30, 2025, a Springfield, Mo., resident, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Stephen Bough, to a period of imprisonment for 15 months, for his theft of mail matter from residential post office boxes.

Anthony Renell Williams, 45, pleaded guilty to a single count indictment on March 31, 2025, charging him with theft of mail on March 16, 2023. 

 Williams was observed by several Springfield, Mo., residence walking throughout various neighborhoods and stopping at the post office boxes of several residence. Witnesses contacted the Springfield, Missouri, Police Department to report the suspicious behavior. Springfield Police officers responded and were ultimately able to locate Williams and found he had stolen mail on his person. 

 Inspectors with the United States Postal Inspection Service conducted a further investigation and located security videos from local residences that captured images of Williams stealing mail from the post office boxes of local residences. Williams ultimately confessed to stealing mail, admitting that he had stolen the mail in order to commit fraud, and obtain money that could pay for his drug addiction.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Carney. It was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), and the Springfield, Missouri, Police Department.

Stone County sex offender sentenced for child pornography

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

A Galena, Mo., man who is a registered sex offender was sentenced in federal court yesterday for receiving and distributing child pornography.

Steven Vincent Sanchez, 56, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Brian C. Wimes to 200 months in federal prison without parole. The court also sentenced Sanchez to spend 15 years on supervised release following incarceration.

On April 22, 2025, Sanchez pleaded guilty to one count of receipt and distribution of child pornography. Sanchez has prior felony convictions for statutory sodomy in the second degree and loitering within 500 feet of a public park, and has been required to register as a sex offender.

According to court records, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) received a CyberTipline Report after the file sharing service Dropbox discovered a video file containing suspected child pornography. Investigators linked the file to Sanchez and executed a search warrant at Sanchez’s residence in Galena, Mo., on Aug. 7, 2023. Investigators seized several electronic devices and found 234 images and one video depicting child pornography.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie L. Wan. It was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Southwest Missouri Cyber Crimes Task Force, and the Stone County, Mo., Sheriff’s Office.

Springfield man sentenced for fentanyl, meth trafficking

(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 drug-trafficking conspiracy involving 19 defendants and over $1.8 million worth of methamphetamine and fentanyl.

Dontrell A. Powell, 36, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Brian C. Wimes to 32 and a half years in federal prison without parole for one count each of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking. Powell pleaded guilty on Jan. 21, 2025.

According to court documents, an investigation into the drug-trafficking organization began on Jan. 17, 2024, when a Trooper with the Oklahoma Highway Patrol searched a vehicle on a car hauler at a truck stop in Oklahoma City, Ok. The Trooper found approximately 100 pounds of methamphetamine and two pounds of fentanyl pills hidden in a subwoofer speaker box in the cargo area of a Dodge Magnum. The approximate street value of the drugs was $1,850,000.

Agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration removed the fentanyl pills from the Dodge Magnum and replaced most of the methamphetamine with sham methamphetamine before conducting a controlled delivery of the vehicle the next morning.

On Jan. 18, 2024, Dontrell Powell and his brother, Dreshawn Powell, 28, also of Springfield, Mo., arrived at the parking lot in a 2018 Mercedes Benz GLE, which was registered to Dontrell. Dontrell Powell signed for the Dodge Magnum, which had been shipped from California to Missouri under a false name, and drove it out of the parking lot. Agents followed the Powell brothers and two codefendants to Dontrell Powell’s residence, where they were all arrested.

When agents searched Dontrell Powell’s residence they found an Anderson Manufacturing multi-caliber, semi-automatic pistol, two Glock carrying cases, three high-capacity Glock magazines, including a drum-style magazine loaded with 40 rounds of ammunition, several types of ammunition, and approximately $140,000. Agents also located four more large subwoofer boxes at the residence and a loaded Glock, .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol in the glove box of Dontrell Powell’s Mercedes.

Dontrell Powell is the second defendant to be sentenced in this case. His brother, Dreshawn Powell, was sentenced on July 21, 2025, to 190 months in federal prison without parole for one count of aiding and abetting the attempted possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl.

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, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, the Parsons, Kan., Police Department, the Ozarks Drug Enforcement Team, and the Labette County, Kan., Sheriff’s Department.

Branson man pleads guilty to tax evasion

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

A Branson, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to tax evasion, by knowingly failing to pay more than $825,297.81 between 2013 through 2024.

Burton Cummings, 43, pleaded guilty before U.S. Chief Magistrate Judge Willie Epps, Jr., to one count of tax evasion, failure to pay over taxes owed to the United States.

Cummings, a former business owner, failed to pay his income taxes in their entirety with the exception of 2015. With the interest owed and penalties, Cummings owes a total of $1,604,729.02 to the United States.

According to the plea agreement, Cummings made false statements to IRS Revenue Officers, when he claimed he had no income. Cummings admitted to submitting false forms and collection statements to the IRS to avoid paying his taxes. Cummings failed to file timely tax returns for numerous years and took significant cash withdrawals from his companies, while failing to disclose the income he received.

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

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

Three dead following murder-suicide at Springfield home

(From the Springfield Police Department)

On Aug. 24, 2025, at 1:37 p.m., the Springfield Fire Department responded to 3307 W. Lombard for a structure fire and located two adults and one juvenile inside the residence with what appeared to be gunshot wounds. The Springfield Police Department responded to the scene and took over the investigation.

The Springfield Police Department Homicide Unit investigated and determined the male suspect, Ryan Parnell, 40, shot and killed Jessica Parnell, 35, and Aaliyah Perkins, 13. 

Ryan Parnell set fire to the residence then died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Ryan Parnell, Jessica Parnell, and Perkins were from Springfield. Their family has been notified.

Detectives continue to investigate and ask anyone who has information about this incident to contact the Springfield Police Department at 417-864-1810 or make an anonymous call to Crime Stoppers at 417-869- TIPS (8477) or online at p3tips.com.

Springfield man convicted in meth conspiracy

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

A Springfield, Mo., man who was found with a half-pound of methamphetamine was convicted at trial today of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.

Jeremy Moran Chambers, 47, was found guilty by a jury of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, and felon in possession of a firearm.

Following the presentation of evidence over three days, the jury in the U.S. District Court in Springfield, Mo., deliberated for just over two hours before returning guilty verdicts to U.S. District Judge Brian C. Wimes, ending a trial that began on Aug. 18, 2025.

Beginning as early as Dec. 1, 2020, and continuing through Oct. 12, 2022, Chambers, and others, knowingly conspired and agreed to sell and distribute methamphetamine. On July 22, 2021, members of the Springfield, Mo., Police Department served a search warrant at a trailer occupied by Chambers and located a half-pound of methamphetamine and firearms. When interviewed, Chambers told officers that he was exchanging methamphetamine for firearms.

Five other individuals have pleaded guilty to their roles in the conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Dusty Lescard, Anne Currie, and Tameka Farmer await sentencing. Tilton Tate and Erik Foster have been sentenced and received 146 months and 215 months imprisonment, respectively.

Under federal statutes, Chambers is subject to a minimum sentence of 15 years imprisonment and up to life imprisonment 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 Tony Brown and Special Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Lucas. It was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Springfield, Mo., Police Department.

Mount Vernon man arrested after improvised explosive device found in vehicle

(From the Aurora-Marionville Police Department)

You may have heard a loud explosion last night near our shooting range. Here’s what was up.

Last night, AMPD Officer Hern made contact with a suspicious vehicle blocking an alleyway near Elliott Street and Cofield in Aurora. His suspicions grew as he contacted the driver, Nicholas McKeever.

After a consensual search of the vehicle, Officer Hern located illegal drugs and paraphernalia. But the bigger danger came when he also discovered an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) inside the vehicle.

Per protocol, the Springfield Fire Bomb Squad was called to the scene. The device was confirmed to be a live explosive and was safely detonated at the range. 

McKeever was arrested for possession of an illegal weapon (explosive device). We remind the community that he is innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Springfield man sentenced to 95 months for illegally possessing firearm

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

A Springfield, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for unlawfully possessing a firearm.

Michael G. Caldwell, 37, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Stephen R. Bough to 95 months in federal prison without parole, to be followed by three years of supervised release.

Caldwell pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a felon on Aug. 29, 2024.

On April 2, 2024, officers with the Springfield Police Department conducted a traffic stop on a Dodge Charger driven by Caldwell. As the Charger slowed to pull over, officers observed Caldwell making furtive movements and reaching near the center console.

The officers removed Caldwell from the vehicle and Caldwell physically resisted arrested. After a brief struggle, the officers were ultimately able to detain him. When detectives searched the Charger, they found a Ruger pistol between the center console and front passenger seat. Officers also seized $1,610 in cash from Caldwell.

The Ruger pistol linked Caldwell to a shooting that occurred in the Springfield, Missouri area, on March 21, 2024, in that the shell casings from that shooting were a presumptive match to the shell casings from the Ruger seized from Caldwell. In addition, cell site data from a cell phone seized from Caldwell on April 2, 2024, confirmed that Caldwell’s cell phone was at the shooting.







Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who is convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Caldwell has prior felony convictions for robbery, possession of a controlled substance, and delivery of a controlled substance.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie Wan. It was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Springfield, Mo., Police Department.

I-44 to be closed between Kansas Expressway and West Bypass in Springfield

(From MoDOT)

MoDOT TRAFFIC ALERT REMINDER: I-44 CLOSED between Kansas Expressway and West Bypass in Springfield, July 11-14

Where: East and westbound I-44 CLOSED between Kansas Expressway (Missouri Route 13) and West Bypass (U.S. Route 160) in Springfield (mile markers 75-77)

When: 9 p.m. Friday, July 11, until at least 9 p.m. Saturday, July 12, but no later than 6 a.m. Monday, July 14. Once the bridge demolition and cleanup are complete, I-44 will reopen.

What: Contractors will CLOSE all east and westbound lanes of I-44 between Kansas Expressway (Missouri Route 13) and West Bypass (U.S. Route 160) in Springfield (mile markers 75-77) as they demolish the Melville Road bridge over I-44. The Melville Road bridge will be CLOSED beginning Monday, July 7, for up to 140 days as crews work to replace the bridge. This work is part of the Forward 44: Melville Road Bridge Replacement Project.

Traffic Impacts

All lanes of east and westbound I-44 CLOSED between Kansas Expressway (Missouri Route 13) and West Bypass (U.S. Route 160) in Springfield (mile markers 75-77)

I-44 detour routes include: 

U.S. Route 60 (James River Freeway), U.S. Route 65

Westbound I-44 to Kansas Expressway (Route 13) exit ramp Open (mile marker 77)

Kansas Expressway (Route 13) to eastbound I-44 on ramp Open (mile marker 77)

Eastbound I-44 to West Bypass (Route 160) exit ramp Open (mile marker 75)

West Bypass (Route 160) to westbound I-44 on ramp Open (mile marker 75)

Melville Road (Farm Road 127) Bridge over I-44 CLOSED beginning July 7 for up to 140 days

Melville Road detour routes include: 

West Bypass (Route 160), Kearney Street (Route 744), Kansas Expressway (Route 13), Norton Road

Drivers will have access to entrances at either end of the Melville Road bridge, but will not be able to drive through the work zone

Norton Road Open

Electronic message boards located near the planned road work will alert drivers to any changes in the work schedule

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

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

To get project updates or sign up for project emails, visit: https://www.modot.org/melville44

Springfield man sentenced to six years on conspiracy charge

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

A Springfield, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for using a straw purchaser to illegally acquire firearms.

DeSean L. Franklin, 24, was sentenced by U.S. Chief District Judge Beth Phillips to 78 months in federal prison without parole, to be followed by three years of supervised release.

On Nov. 25, 2024, Franklin pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to traffic firearms. Franklin admitted to conspiring to receive a firearm from another, knowing that he was prohibited from possessing one.

Franklin is one of three defendants in this case who have all pleaded guilty to conspiracy to traffic firearms and is the third to be sentenced. Joseph M. Johnson pleaded guilty on May 20, 2024, and was sentenced to 5 years of probation. Raimaiya L. Tyson pleaded guilty on Dec. 17, 2024, and was sentenced to 19 months.

Johnson admitted to purchasing a firearm that he then transferred to another person, Franklin, who was prohibited from possessing firearms. Franklin was a close associate of an area gang known as “ODB,” who have been linked to a number of violent and firearm offenses. Many of the members of ODB are unable to purchase firearms due to their youth, history of drug use, or other prohibited status and use straw purchasers to obtain them.

Investigators with the ATF observed Tyson and Franklin at a gun show in Greene County, Mo., on Aug. 12, 2023. Franklin was prohibited from purchasing firearms because of pending felony criminal charges out of Caddo County, Ok. for unlawful possession of a controlled drug, and possession of a firearm during commission of a felony. Tyson attempted to purchase a Draco pistol but was denied due to pending felony criminal charges out of Henry County, Mo. Later that morning, Tyson and Franklin returned to the gun show with Johnson and Johnson purchased a Micro Draco 7.62 caliber semi-automatic pistol.

On Aug. 31, 2023, deputies with the Greene County Sherriff’s Office searched Desean Franklin’s vehicle during a traffic stop and found the loaded Draco pistol which was then equipped with a high-capacity magazine, and three other firearms. Franklin admitted that the Draco pistol belonged to him, and claimed he had purchased it at a gun show.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie L. Wan. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Greene County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department and the Springfield, Mo., Police Department.

Republic man charged with illegal possession of firearm, threats against law enforcement

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

A Republic, Mo., man was indicted by a federal grand jury on June 18, 2025, for illegally possessing firearms and threats against law enforcement. The indictment was unsealed and made public today following his arrest and initial court appearance.

Franklin E. Brownlee, 40, was charged with attempted destruction of an aircraft, being an unlawful user of a controlled substance while in possession of firearms and transmitting a threat to injure law enforcement across state lines. 

The indictment specifically alleges that, on March 27, 2025, Brownlee attempted to destroy an unmanned aerial system operated by the Greene County, Mo., Sheriff’s Office, illegally possessed a Glock pistol and a Remington shotgun knowing that he was an unlawful user of a controlled substance, and knowingly & willfully transmitted a threat to injure law enforcement in interstate and foreign commerce.

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

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie L. Wan. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Federal Bureau of Investigation; and the Greene County, Mo., Sheriff’s Office.

Rogersville teens killed in rollover crash on 60

Two Rogersville teens were killed and another injured in a two-vehicle collision 9:30 p.m. Thursday on U. S. 60 80 feet east of Rogersville.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2008 Mercury Mariner driven by a 17-year-old Rogersville girl crossed the westbound lanes of U. S. 60 and was struck by a 1999 Kenworth W900 driven by a 78-year-old Monticello, Kentucky man in the intersection. The Mercury Mariner overturned several times and traveled off the right side of the roadway.

Two passengers in the Mercury Mariner, a 16-year-old Rogersville boy and a 15-year-old Rogersville girl were pronounced dead at the scene.

The vehicle's driver was treated for moderate injuries at Cox South Hospital, Springfield.

The fatalities were the 45th and 46th this year for Highway Patrol Troop D. 

Springfield man pleads guilty to illegal possession of a firearm

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

A Springfield, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to illegally possessing firearms.

Aaron Wayne Williams, 34, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool, to being a felon in possession of a firearm.







Under federal law it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Williams has previous felony convictions for domestic assault in the third degree, attempted burglary in the first degree, property damage motivated by discrimination in the second degree, possession of a controlled substance, unlawful possession of a firearm, and unlawful use of a weapon.

Williams admitted to possessing several firearms which were seized by Springfield, Mo., Police Department officers on Jan. 8, 2025, after an officer observed Williams sleeping in his running vehicle in the parking lot of the Kum & Go located at 2963 East Division Street. Officers observed a Ruger, Mini 14, semiautomatic rifle beside Williams as he slept. Officers found three additional firearms on Williams and in the vehicle: a Taurus, G2S, 9mm pistol; an HS Produkt, XD, .40 caliber pistol; and a Star, 9mm pistol.

Under federal statutes, Williams is subject to a sentence of up to 15 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 Stephanie L. Wan. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Springfield, Mo., Police Department.

Springfield gang member pleads guilty to possessing illegal firearm

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

A Springfield, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court yesterday to illegally possessing a firearm.

Jayden Isaac Simmonds, 19, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool, to being an unlawful user of a controlled substance while in possession of a firearm.

Simmonds admitted to possessing a stolen Smith and Wesson 10mm semi-automatic pistol and daily use of marijuana and opioid addiction. Simmonds also admits to being a member of a local gang known as the “1500.”

According to an affidavit filed with the original complaint charging Simmonds with being an unlawful user of a controlled substance, investigators test-fired the pistol and submitted the casings to the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) for analysis. The test-fired cartridges, the affidavit says, were a presumptive match to shell casings recovered from two separate shootings in Springfield in August 2024. The first shooting occurred on Aug. 4, 2024, on West Brower Street. An occupied residence was shot multiple times by unknown suspects. At least 17 rounds struck the residence, but there were no injuries. The second shooting occurred on Aug. 14, 2024, on North Prospect Avenue. A disturbance resulted in shots being fired. One residence was struck, but there were no injuries reported.

Following his arrest, Simmonds told investigators he had been using marijuana daily since he was 11 or 12 years old, and that he was addicted to opioids and had been using fentanyl.

Under federal statutes, Simmonds is subject to a sentence of up to 15 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 was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie L. Wan. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Christian County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department and the Springfield, Mo., Police Department.

Springfield man pleads guilty to burglarizing post office, stealing mail

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

A Springfield, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court today to burglarizing a local post office building and stealing mail from this facility.

Zachary M. Walker, 38, waived his right to a grand jury and pleaded guilty before U.S. Chief Magistrate Judge Willie Epps, Jr., to a federal information charging him with one count of burglary of a post office building and one count of theft of mail matter.







Walker, a former United States Postal Service employee, used his knowledge of building security to gain unauthorized access to a local post office, stealing mail matter and selling those items over the internet.

According to the plea agreement, Walker was observed on secretly installed video cameras within a local post office building. Walker was able to burglarize the post office because he had previously worked at that facility and knew the authorization codes that allowed him to circumvent building security. While in the United States Post Office building, Walker would examine letters and mail matter, stealing those items that he could easily sell.

Under federal statutes, Walker is subject to a sentence of up to 10 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Carney. It was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Springfield, Missouri, Police Department

Nixa woman pleads guilty to wire fraud, making false claims to IRS

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

A Nixa, Mo., woman pleaded guilty in federal court today to making false and fictitious claims against the United States and wire fraud.

Tina Louise Yager, 66, waived her right to a grand jury and pleaded guilty before U.S. Chief Magistrate Judge Willie Epps, Jr., to a federal information charging her with one count of wire fraud and one count of making false, fictitious and fraudulent claims against the United States.

Yager, a tax preparer, utilized information from her clients to present false tax return documents to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) from November 2023 through March of 2024.

According to the plea agreement, Yager was entrusted with the personal information of her clients. Yager submitted tax return documents to the IRS in the name of her clients without their knowledge or approval. Yager also included unapproved tax deductions on tax return documents for her clients to fraudulently inflate her clients tax returns and then pocketed these falsely obtained monies. Yager would have debit cards issued that contained her clients tax return monies. Yager would then embezzle those monies and spent it for her personal benefit. The intended losses amounted to $48,481.00, but Yager was able to embezzle only $16,850.00 of those monies for her personal use. As part of her plea agreement, Yager must pay restitution of at least $14,447.00 to the IRS, the exact amount will be determined at her sentencing hearing and agreed to the Court entering a forfeiture money judgment of $16,850.00.

Under federal statutes, Yager is subject to a sentence of up to 25 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

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

Ramp at Route 39 and I-44 in Lawrence County to be closed

(From MoDOT)

TRAFFIC ALERT: Ramp CLOSED at Route 39 & I-44 in Lawrence Co. for Guardrail Repair May 13

Where: Missouri Route 39-to-eastbound I-44 on ramp (Exit 46) in Mt. Vernon

When: 8 p.m.-Midnight, Tuesday, May 13

What: Contractor crews will make repairs to guardrail

Traffic Impacts

Missouri Route 39-to-eastbound I-44 on ramp (Exit 46) CLOSED to traffic

No signed detour

Signs and message boards will alert drivers approaching closure

Drivers should find alternate routes

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

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

State audit: Cedar County Clerk levied $1.2 million in excess property taxes

(From State Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick)

Cedar County government receives a "fair" rating in a new report released today by Missouri State Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick that finds a mistake made by the County Clerk resulted in the county levying $1.2 million in excess property taxes. The report also finds the County Collector incorrectly withheld railroad and utility property taxes collected, which resulted in various political subdivisions not receiving the full amount owed to them.

"While I commend county officials for agreeing to implement our recommendations, this report shows a county government that needs to be more focused on details and more aware of its statutorily-required duties.

 

"To see taxpayers be overtaxed by $1.2 million because an elected official is not able to accurately calculate the sales tax rollback is simply unacceptable," said Auditor Fitzpatrick. "I strongly encourage county officials to enact plans to make restitution to the people of Cedar County for this significant over-collection of their tax dollars, and for the county to implement all of the recommendations made in this report."

The audit report found the County Clerk did not sufficiently reduce the property tax levy in the sales tax rollback calculations to offset 50 percent of the sales tax money received from 2020 through 2023. The excess property tax amounted to approximately $1.2 million. State law requires the county to reduce property taxes for a percentage of sales taxes collected. In 2020 the county did not reduce the property tax rate for sales tax collected even though a reduction was required. From 2021 through 2023, the County Clerk incorrectly calculated the sales tax reduction.

The report also finds the county needs to improve its controls and procedures over the county's property tax system and in the County Collector's office. The report found the County Collector misreported approximately $357,000 in utility collections as delinquent taxes, resulting in an overstatement of total delinquent taxes, understatement of collections, and a discrepancy between total collections and total distributions on the annual settlement. 

Additionally, the County Collector incorrectly withheld 2 percent on railroad and utility property taxes collected rather than the allowed 1 percent. As a result, the various political subdivisions did not receive the full amount owed to them and the county deposited the excess commissions into the General Revenue Fund. In total, the County Collector incorrectly withheld approximately $2,900 from railroad and utility property taxes that she should have disbursed to the political subdivisions.

Other findings in the report include the failure of the Public Administrator to consistently file annual settlement statements timely, lacking procedures in the Sheriff's office to follow up on outstanding checks in the Inmate Trust bank account, a mid-term salary increase of $11,719 to the Sheriff that violates constitutional provisions, and a failure to develop a records management and retention policy that includes electronic communication.

The full audit report is available here.

Springfield man convicted of aggravated sexual abuse of a minor less than 12

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

A Springfield, Mo., man was convicted on May 5th following a guilty plea to three counts of Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Minor Less Than 12 Years and a single count of Engaging in Illicit Sexual Conduct with a Minor in a Foreign Place. The defendant plead guilty to all four counts of a federal indictment on the first day of a jury trial after the conclusion of the first witness’s testimony.

John Michael Bradley, 65, was charged by indictment in December 2023 that involved Bradley’s criminal conduct occurring between 2005 and 2006 while he was an active-duty member of the United States Army in Honduras, and between 2007 and 2008 when he returned to Honduras multiple times as a civilian.

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In his plea of guilty the defendant admitted that while he was stationed in Honduras in 2005, he met the minor victim. Over the course of the next three years, beginning when the minor victim was four years old, the defendant sexually abused the child on numerous occasions. 

The defendant admitted that after his active-duty tour in Honduras ended in 2006 he returned to Honduras from the United States with the intent to engage in sexual acts with the minor victim and did engage in sexual acts with the minor victim. The minor victim, now an adult, reported the crimes to U.S. Army Criminal Investigations Division in 2021. The defendant has a previous federal conviction in 2019 for possession of child pornography also in the Western District of Missouri.

Under federal statutes, the defendant is subject to a sentence of not less than 30 years and up to 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. Attorneys David Luna and Kenneth W. Borgnino. It was investigated by U.S. Homeland Security Investigations, the Southwest Missouri Cyber Crimes Task Force, and U.S Army Criminal Investigations Division.

Lawrence County Route H closed north of Monett for storm cleanup

(From MoDOT)

TRAFFIC ALERT: Lawrence Co. Route H CLOSED North of Monett for Storm Clean Up Until Further Notice

Where: Lawrence County Route H between Lawrence County Road 2200 and Lawrence County Road 2220 north of Monett

When: Until further notice

What: Utility crews cleaning up after storms passed through the area this morning

Traffic Impacts

Route H CLOSED between Lawrence County Road 2200 and Lawrence County Road 2220

Watch for debris and downed power lines across the highway

Drivers will encounter barricades across the road where the highway is closed

Do not move or drive around barricades

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.

Branson Police investigating body found in woods near Lake Taneycomo

(From the Branson Police Department)

The Branson Police Department is conducting an investigation after responding to a call regarding a found body earlier today, in the woods near Lake Taneycomo. 

Upon arrival, officers secured the scene and immediately initiated an investigation. At this time, there is no evidence to suggest foul play.

As part of standard procedure, an autopsy will be conducted to determine the cause of death. This remains an active investigation, and we are committed to ensuring a thorough and respectful process.

Out of respect for the individual and their loved ones, no further details will be released at this time. Once identity is confirmed, and next of kin notified, the Taney County Coroner will release identity information.
We appreciate the community’s understanding and patience as we work through the investigative process.

Traffic delays expected at I-44 Exit 46 in Lawrence County

(From MoDOT)

TRAFFIC ALERT: Expect Traffic Delays at I-44 Exit 46 in Lawrence Co. for Pavement Repair

Where: Northbound Missouri Route 39-to-eastbound I-44 (Exit 46) on-ramp in Lawrence County at Mt. Vernon

When: 7 a.m.-7 p.m., Monday, April 21

What: Contractor crews will repair ramp pavement

Traffic Impacts

Crews and equipment working close to traffic on northbound route 39-to-eastbound I-44 (Exit 46) on-ramp

Drivers urged to use caution traveling along the ramp

No signed detour

Signs and message boards will alert drivers approaching the work zone

Drivers should find alternate routes

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

State audit documents missing money in Stone County Collector's office

(From State Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick)

A new report released today by Missouri State Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick documents how a former employee in the Stone County Collector's Office failed to deposit more than $19,000 in county funds, and how $13,862 remains missing. The report, which gives the office a rating of "poor," also notes how lacking accounting controls and procedures in the office allowed the missing money to go undetected.

The audit was formally requested by the Stone County Commission after County Collector Anna Burk investigated the transactions of former employee Whitney Brown and presented her concerns to the commissioners. Burk became suspicious of Brown after a taxpayer presented a paid personal property tax receipt that was not recorded in the property tax system.

"I want to thank County Collector Burk and the Stone County Commission for bringing these issues to our attention and requesting this audit. We were able to confirm their suspicions that Whitney Brown was responsible for thousands of dollars in undeposited merchant license and property tax payments, and also found the Collector's Office needs to improve its procedures to ensure this type of activity can be quickly detected in the future," said Auditor Fitzpatrick. "The good news for taxpayers is that county officials have already moved to put our recommendations into place, which will greatly reduce the risk of fraud and abuse going forward. I also hope officials will continue to work with law enforcement officials to prosecute Whitney Brown and to make sure she pays restitution to the county."

From May 1, 2023, through March 15, 2024, former employee Whitney Brown receipted money totaling at least $19,049 that was not deposited. She also collected an additional $475 that was not recorded or deposited, but taxpayers presented stamped tax statements to show proof of payment. The audit notes that if other similar situations exist, additional money may be missing. Brown repaid $4,782 in March 2024, after the County Collector confronted her about missing receipts. Additionally, 2 taxpayers reissued missing checks totaling $1,060 to the Collector. As a result, $13,682 remains missing.

The audit also found significant weaknesses in the accounting controls and procedures used by the Stone County Collector's Office. These weaknesses resulted in money collected that was not properly receipted, recorded, and deposited. 

Specifically, the report found the County Collector did not perform a supervisory review of detailed accounting and bank records, and did not reconcile property taxes receipted to property tax deposits prepared by the employees or reconcile merchant licenses issued to merchant license fees collected. As a result, she did not detect the missing money noted in the report. Additionally, the County Collector did not ensure staff issued receipt slips and recorded all money received, and did not ensure all money received was disbursed appropriately, nor did she perform adequate bank reconciliations or prepare a monthly list of liabilities.

The audit report makes numerous recommendations to improve the accounting controls and procedures in the office and the County Collector indicated she has already implemented new procedures based on the recommendations.

The complete audit report of the Stone County Collector's Office is available here.

Springfield man sentenced to 30 years for fentanyl conspiracy

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

A Springfield, Mo. man was sentenced in federal court today for his leadership role in a large-scale drug-trafficking organization in southwest Missouri that resulted in the overdose deaths of at least two people.

Delante Leon Worsham, 40, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Roseann A. Ketchmark to 30 years in federal prison without parole.

On Jan. 29, 2024, Worsham pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl. Worsham admitted that he participated in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl in Christian and Greene counties from Sept. 23, 2018 to Nov. 14, 2019.

During a Sept. 23, 2018, traffic stop in Springfield, Mo., law enforcement officers located 21.50 grams of fentanyl in Worsham’s vehicle. On Nov. 15, 2019, Worsham was arrested in Springfield with approximately $2,390 in cash and a golf-ball sized bag containing smaller bags of fentanyl totaling 30 grams. Worsham admitted that he intended to distribute the fentanyl from both incidents and that the money was proceeds from a drug-trafficking conspiracy. Worsham further admitted to “cutting” fentanyl with heroin and powdered sugar in order to maximize his profit.

According to court documents, statistics from the Centers for Disease Control indicate that Missouri was one of only nine states west of the Mississippi River with an age-adjusted rate of drug overdose deaths of more than 21.1 per 100,000 in 2020. Court documents also cite a widely reported analysis of CDC data by Families Against Fentanyl that fentanyl overdoses are now the leading cause of death among adults between ages 18 and 45 in the United States.

Worsham is the eleventh defendant to be sentenced in this case, among 14 defendants who have pleaded guilty.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica R. Eatmon and Cameron A. Beaver. It was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Springfield, Mo., Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Bourbon, Mo., Police Department, and the Phelps County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department.