Woman sentenced to 12 years for setting Springfield home on fire with three people inside

(From the Springfield Fire Department)

A woman has been sentenced to 12 years in prison after using a packet of Takis tortilla chips to set fire to a home with three people inside.

Patricia Williams, 44, sentenced Jan. 7 after pleading guilty to first-degree arson for sparking an Aug. 11, 2023, blaze in Greene County, multiple outlets reported.

 

On Aug. 11, 2023, Springfield-Greene County 911 Emergency Communications Department received a report of a house on fire at 2345 N. Weller Avenue. As units were dispatched to the scene, Springfield Police Department (SPD) Officers on patrol in the area observed thick black smoke coming from the rear of a house and stopped to investigate.

Officers were immediately met by witnesses who reported the fire had been intentionally set and identified the suspect, who was taken into custody while still on the scene. Springfield Fire arrived moments later and were able to quickly extinguish the fire.

“The cooperation between agencies was critical to the outcome of this case,” said Fire Marshal Travis Morrissey. “The SPD officer’s immediate response allowed them to take the suspect into custody before she could leave the scene, and their assistance with gathering witness statements allowed fire investigators to complete the thorough and systematic investigation for prosecution of the arson case.”

Morrissey said this case demonstrates how interagency cooperation leads to optimal outcomes. “The responding officer’s initiative and SPD’s continued support throughout the investigation were instrumental in achieving the outcome.”

Williams admitted to authorities that she used the spicy snack to start the fire knowing it would combust due to its high grease content, according to court documents.

Williams was captured on surveillance footage buying $2 worth of gasoline at a nearby gas station. She proceeded to pour the gasoline, which was stored in a soda bottle, on the home’s floor and a pile of laundry. Williams then set fire to the tortilla chips and used them to ignite the larger blaze.

Morrissey located a green soda bottle and an open bag of Takis chips in the kitchen near the laundry room. The soda bottle had a strong odor of an ignitable liquid emitting from the inside, and he determined the Takis chips could support a flame during a flammability test.

There were three people inside the house at the time who all escaped without injury. The relationship between Williams and the victims remains unclear.

In 2024, the Springfield Fire Department investigated 34 fires classified as incendiary or intentionally set. These investigations, as well as multiple investigations that carried over from 2023, resulted in a total of 16 arrests on felony charges. 2024 also saw the resolution of 16 criminal cases resulting in guilty pleas or convictions. Successful prosecution of these cases demonstrates the importance of collaboration between Springfield Fire, Police, and the Prosecutor’s Office.

Springfield Fire Department water rescue team saves retired MSU softball coach, dog

(From the Springfield Fire Department)

Thanks to the Springfield Fire Department Water Rescue team, retired Missouri State University women’s softball coach Holly Hesse got a second chance at life on Sunday after Hesse and her dog fell partially through the ice at the Lakeshore Apartments pond. Hesse went after one of her two dogs, fearing it might drown when it fell through the ice.

Captain Chris Gardner and equipment operator Tyler Nevins performed the rescue, with back up from members of the water rescue team, who trained as recently as last week.

Battalion Chief Christopher Roush, who oversees EMS and Special Operations, happened to be in the neighborhood when the alert came out and caught most of the life save on video. Chief Ben Houston was on scene organizing the response. He led the command of firefighters from multiple stations who were setting up for the incident as the water rescue team arrived.

“Our teams use special equipment to safely work in this environment; without it, the risk to anyone entering the water is extreme,” he said. The woman was transported to the shore, warmed up and taken via ambulance to Mercy out of an abundance of caution. Roush said her core temperature was low, which happens very quickly in these conditions.

Springfield teen indicted on weapons charge; stolen gun involved in two shootings

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

A Springfield, Mo., man was indicted by a federal grand jury today for illegally possessing a stolen firearm that has been connected to two shootings.

Jayden Isaac Simmonds, 18, was charged in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Springfield. Today’s indictment replaces a federal criminal complaint that was filed against Simmonds on Dec. 20, 2024.

The federal indictment charges Simmonds with one count of being an unlawful user of a controlled substance while in possession of a firearm.

According to an affidavit filed in support of the original criminal complaint, Simmonds’s father turned in a Smith & Wesson 10mm semi-automatic pistol to the Springfield Police Department on Aug. 23, 2024. The pistol, which investigators later learned was stolen during the theft of a motor vehicle in December 2023, had been taken from Simmonds while he was asleep.

Investigators test-fired the pistol and submitted the 10mm cartridges 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 stuck 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, the affidavit says, 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.

The charge contained in this indictment is simply an accusation, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charge 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 Christian County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, and the Springfield, Mo., Police Department.

Springfield Fire Department trains on ice rescue, reminds public of dangers

(From the Springfield Fire Department)

When frigid weather arrives and the general public are bundled up indoors, the Springfield Fire Department Water Rescue Team gears up and heads out to practice ice rescue.

Every year, 250 Americans die after falling into icy ponds, lakes, and streams and rescuers have only moments to respond and bring victims to safety. Team members braved the cold this week to practice safely breaking through the ice, executing self-rescue and victim movement maneuvers.

 

The Springfield Fire Department reminds the public to stay off the ice.

“While at the surface the ice appears solid and capable of supporting your weight, the reality is much different which could result in falling through the ice into very cold water,” Springfield Fire Chief David Pennington says. “This becomes a dangerous and very serious situation very quickly.”

If you witness someone playing on ice or who has fallen through the ice, the Fire Department wants to remind you of a few important actions to help save a life.Call 9-1-1 so that the Water Rescue Team is promptly notified and responding.

If safe to do so, maintain voice and visual contact with the victim. Provide encouragement and assurance that help is on the way. Be prepared to assist in guiding responders to the location.
Do not attempt rescue.

“Our teams use special equipment to safely work in this environment; without it, the risk to anyone entering the water is extreme," Battalion Chief of EMS and Special Operations Christopher Roush said.

“Please, for your safety, just stay off the ice,” Pennington said.

Improvements completed- Roaring River State Park Campground 3 reopens

(From Missouri State Parks)

Visitors to Roaring River State Park will be excited to know that the improvements to Campground 3 are complete and the campground will reopen for guests Feb. 25, 2025. Guests will be able to make reservations starting Jan. 6, 2025, for arrival beginning Feb. 25.

Missouri State Parks is working to maintain access to park resources while other construction projects in the park continue. Park representatives appreciate visitors’ understanding of this situation.

Roaring River State Park is located at 12716 Farm Road 2239, 7 miles south of Cassville on Highway 112 in Barry County. For more information, contact the park office at 417-847-2539.

For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

Arrest made in connection with Springfield's first murder of 2025

(From the Springfield Police Department)

The Springfield Police Department Homicide Unit continues to investigate the Jan. 1 murder of David Franklin, 23, and the case was presented to the Greene County Prosecutor’s Office (GCPO) for a review of potential charges.

Marquese Gaten, 22, from Springfield, was arrested in connection with this incident and is charged with stealing and tampering with evidence. Gaten is being held at the Greene County Jail with no bond.

As the investigation progresses, the GCPO will be provided with updates so they may determine if additional charges are warranted in the future.

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

Previous release:

On Jan. 1, 2025, at 2:10 a.m., Springfield police officers responded to report of a shooting at 1919 W. Bennett Street.

Officers arrived on scene and located David Franklin, 23, from Springfield, with a gunshot wound. Franklin died from his injury. His family has been notified.

The suspect was later identified and taken into custody for questioning.

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 first homicide investigation in 2025.

Mount Vernon woman killed in crash near Hoberg

A Mount Vernon woman was killed in a one-vehicle accident today on Farm Road 1110 two miles south of Hoberg.

According to the Highway Patrol report, a 2009 Pontiac Torrent driven by a 52-year-old Mount Vernon woman traveled off the left side of the roadway and hit the ground and a tree. 

The exact time of the crash is unknown. Lawrence County Coroner Scott Lakin pronounced the woman dead at the scene.

The fatality was the 114th this year for Highway Patrol Troop D.

Suspect charged in beating death of 77-year-old Springfield woman

Update

The Springfield Police Department Homicide Unit continues to investigate the Dec. 25 murder of Lois Jones, 77, and the case has been presented to the Greene County Prosecutor’s Office.

Robert Collins, 63, is charged with first degree murder and attempted arson in the second degree. Collins is being held at the Greene County Jail 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.
On Dec. 25, 2024, at 3:10 p.m., Springfield police officers responded to a possibly deceased person at 2307 N. Park Ave.

Officers located Lois Jones, 77, from Springfield, deceased inside the residence. Jones had visible injuries consistent with assault. Jones’ family has been notified.

Springfield Police Department Homicide Detectives identified Robert Collins, 63, from Springfield, as the suspect in the case. Collins was arrested and booked into the Greene County Jail for 1st degree murder.

 

The case will be forwarded to the Greene County Prosecutor’s Office for review, and a decision will be made regarding the filing of criminal charges.

The Greene County Prosecutor’s Office cautions that the listed charges 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 12th homicide investigation in 2024, with the 14th victim for the year.

Willard woman dies in collision at Grand Avenue and West Bypass

(From the Springfield Police Department)

On Dec. 19, at 8:23 a.m., officers with the Springfield Police Department responded to a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of Grand Avenue and West Bypass.

Mary Peterson, 86, from Willard, was driving a 2022 Chevrolet Malibu southbound on West Bypass and entered the turning lane to go east on Grand. As Peterson turned, her vehicle was hit by Victor Bowers, 22, from Springfield, driving northbound on West Bypass in a 2007 Dodge Caliber. Bowers and his passenger were transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Peterson was transported to the hospital with life-threatening injuries where she later died. Peterson’s family was 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 24th fatal motor vehicle crash in 2024.

Springfield business owner sentenced for $14 million CARES Act fraud scheme

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

A Springfield, Mo., business owner was sentenced in federal court today for his role in a nearly $14 million wire fraud conspiracy that utilized his businesses, as well as fake businesses, to fraudulently receive loans under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

John Michael Felts, 49, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Bough to two years in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Felts to pay $8,173,736 in restitution. 

Felts also must forfeit to the government personal property and real estate purchased with the proceeds of the wire fraud conspiracy as asserted in two civil forfeiture complaints. That property includes four parcels of real estate in Springfield, six vehicles, a yacht, two Rolex watches, five additional pieces of valuable jewelry, a 1952 Topps Jackie Robinson baseball card, a 1980-1981 Topps Larry Bird, Julius Erving, and Magic Johnson card (signed by all three players), and a 1909-1911 Ty Cobb baseball card.

On July 31, 2023, Felts pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of wire fraud.

Felts was the owner of several restaurants, including Taco Habitat in Springfield and Branson, Mo. Felts admitted that he participated in a wire fraud conspiracy that fraudulently attempted to obtain $13,925,534 through commercial loans as well as Paycheck Protection Program loans and Economic Injury Disaster loans and grants under the CARES Act from January 2018 to Sept. 13, 2022. Although Felts admitted that he attempted to obtain almost $14 million, the court today ruled that the actual loss amount was $8,173,736, for which Felts must pay restitution.

The purpose of the CARES Act was to provide emergency financial assistance due to the economic impact caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The CARES Act authorized the Small Business Administration to provide low-interest Economic Injury Disaster Loans to eligible small businesses that experienced substantial financial disruption due to the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) authorized forgivable loans to small businesses to retain workers and maintain payroll, and make mortgage interest payments, lease payments, and utility payments. Under the PPP, both the principal and interest on those loans were eligible for forgiveness.

Felts and another person, a San Antonio, Texas, resident identified in court documents as “Individual-1,” applied for PPP loans and Economic Injury Disaster loans and grants for various businesses they controlled. The conspirators made material misrepresentations about the businesses in the applications, including the purpose of the funding, and submitted fake and forged documents as a part of the application process.

Felts and Individual-1 also created fake businesses that they controlled, under fake identities they created. The conspirators then used these fake businesses and identities, as well as false financial and business documents, to apply for loans.

Felts did not utilize the loan proceeds for the purpose he represented to the lenders in the application process. Instead, he utilized proceeds for his own personal benefit (including vehicles, a yacht, jewelry, rare sports cards, and construction related to personal residences) and for the benefit of other businesses he controlled.

According to a parallel federal civil complaint filed on Sept. 13, 2022, Felts applied for 12 PPP loans using several different companies under his ownership or control. Most of these companies did not have employees and were not in operation at the time of application. Felts also applied for 13 PPP loans using synthesized or fabricated identities and companies under his control.

$2 Million Fraudulent Diagnostic Equipment, Inc., Loans

For example, in January 2020 Felts and Individual-1 set up a business, Diagnostic Equipment, Inc., for the purpose of representing it as a legitimate business, when in fact it was not and did not have any business operations. On April 26, 2020, they submitted a fraudulent PPP loan application for Diagnostic Equipment. Felts, using a fake identity, submitted false materials in support of the PPP loan application, such as false tax statements and payroll summaries. On June 18, 2020, they applied for an EIDL in the name of Diagnostic Equipment.

After receiving $1,029,100 in PPP and EIDL proceeds, Felt spent $157,000 of the proceeds to pay off a personal real estate loan, spent $39,000 to pay off a loan for a 2018 Cadillac CT6, spent $40,000 to pay off a loan for a 2018 Jeep Wrangler (which he gave as a gift to a relative), and spent $5,000 to make a down payment for the purchase of personal real estate.

On April 25, 2021, Felts submitted a fraudulent PPP loan application for Diagnostic Equipment for a second round of PPP loans. Felts received $1,054,494 in PPP loan proceeds and spent $150,000 for a corporate suite sponsorship with the Kansas City Chiefs, spent $213,000 to pay a loan on a 2021 Galeon 470SKY Yacht, spent $30,000 for construction on his personal residence, and spent $12,180 on sports memorabilia.

$310,000 Fraudulent Taco Habitat Loan

In May 2020, Felts and Indivdiual-1 submitted a PPP loan application for Taco Habitat in Branson. This application contained material misrepresentations, including the number of employees for the business.

After Felts received $310,000 in PPP proceeds for Taco Habitat in Branson, he spent $58,594 to purchase a 2020 Jeep Wrangler (which he gave as a gift to another individual) and spent $125,707 for the purchase of personal real estate.

This criminal case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Casey Clark and the civil case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony M. Brown. Both the criminal and civil cases were investigated by IRS-Criminal Investigation.