Springfield man sentenced to 20 years for sexual exploitation of two children

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

A Springfield, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for the sexual exploitation of two child victims.

Travis Tyler Isham, 32, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool to 20 years in federal prison without parole. The court also sentenced Isham to 10 years of supervised release following incarceration. Isham will be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison and will be subject to federal and state sex offender registration requirements, which may apply throughout his life.

On Dec. 13, 2023, Isham pleaded guilty to two counts of the sexual exploitation of children. Isham admitted that he used two child victims to produce child pornography. Investigators found 276 images of child pornography on Isham’s cell phone. Those images were screen shots from a video of child pornography that was also found on Isham’s phone.\

Today’s sentence includes an enhancement for obstruction of justice because Isham tried to destroy and/or dispose of the cell phone that he used to commit the crime. Law enforcement officers contacted Isham at a cell phone store, where he was attempting to trade in his cell phone. The screen on the cell phone was shattered, and it appeared that the phone was bent.

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

Springfield sex offender pleads guilty to child pornography charge

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

A Springfield, Mo., man who is a registered sex offender pleaded guilty in federal court today to receiving and distributing child pornography.

Ronald Lee Goins, 43, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge David P. Rush to one count of receiving and distributing child pornography. Goins has a prior conviction for furnishing pornographic material to a minor under the age of 14, and two prior convictions for failing to register as a sex offender.

According to today’s plea agreement, law enforcement officers found a cell phone in an abandoned vehicle in an alley at 2044 N. Avenue in Springfield on July 22, 2023. Investigators examined the phone and found files that contained child pornography on a micro-SD card that had been inserted into the phone.

Investigators determined the images of child pornography had last been modified in 2020 and 2021, at which time the phone belonged to Goins. There were also self-produced images of Goins, documents, and other files indicating that Goins was the user of the cell phone during 2020 and 2021. Two CyberTip Reports from Snapchat and Instagram, which involved child pornography uploads, were associated with the email address located on the micro-SD card.

Goins was arrested on Oct. 30, 2023, on outstanding arrest warrants in a separate case.

Under federal statutes, Goins is subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 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. Attorney Ami Harshad Miller. It was investigated by the Greene County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, Homeland Security Investigations, the Springfield, Mo., Police Department and the Southwest Missouri Cyber Crimes Task Force.

Branson Police investigating shots fired at vehicle

(From the Branson Police Department)

On 07-16-24, around 10:45 am, Branson Police Officers received a call of shots fired at a vehicle in the area of Shepherd of the Hills Expressway and Little Pete Rd. 

A witness provided a suspect vehicle description and license plate to Branson Dispatch. As soon as the dispatcher aired the call, a Branson PD Officer in the area spotted the suspect vehicle and was able to stop it.

BPD Officers detained two suspects and are currently investigating the circumstances. Officers did verify that shots were fired but, thankfully, there was no damage or injuries discovered or reported. Investigators have determined this incident occurred between people that knew each other and was not random. 

BPD continues to investigate this crime, but are confident that there are no ongoing threats to the public.
If you have any information related to this incident, or witnessed it, please contact Detective Zach Hamilton at 417-334-3300, ext 3812 or email him at zhamilton@bransonmo.gov

Four-year-old girl drowns in swimming pool at Marionville home

(From the Aurora-Marionville Police Department)

Last night, AMPD responded to an address in Marionville after a report of a 4 year old female being found unconscious in the home’s swimming pool. 

Officers with AMPD, Marionville Fire, and Mercy Ambulance all responded and desperately tried to revive her. She was transported to Mercy Hospital in Aurora from the scene where she tragically was pronounced dead.

As per normal protocol, AMPD is conducting a full and thorough investigation into this incident. At the time of this release, there is no indication of any wrongdoing and this appears to be a tragic accident.

First and foremost, all of AMPD’s prayers are with the family during this horrible time. Second, we pray for healing for the family and the community. Lastly, we want to thank Marionville City Fire, Mercy Ambulance, Mercy ER staff, and our communications personnel who all did whatever they could along with our staff to try to keep this little angel with us. Thank you for doing what you do, even through the pain of knowing we can’t always save everyone.

 
Please join us in prayer for this family as they try to navigate through this. It’s incomprehensible to anyone that hasn’t gone through it. But we’ve seen our communities come together before, and the strength you give people is palpable.

West Plains sex offender sentenced on child pornography charges

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

A West Plains, Mo., man who is a registered sex offender was sentenced in federal court today for possessing hundreds of computer-generated images of child sexual abuse.

Dace Allen Doverspike, 24, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Roseann A. Ketchmark to 10 years in federal prison without parole. The court also sentenced Doverspike to 15 years of supervised release following incarceration.

Doverspike, who has a prior federal felony conviction for possessing child pornography, pleaded guilty on Aug. 29, 2023, to possessing an obscene visual representation of the sexual abuse of children.

Doverspike’s probation officer seized his cell phone on May 10, 2023, during a home visit as part of the conditions of his supervised release. The officer discovered multiple images and videos of pornography, including computer-generated images and videos of child pornography, and transferred the phone to Homeland Security Investigations for examination and further investigation. A task force officer examined a microSD storage device that had been inserted into the phone, which contained 255 computer-generated image files that depicted child sexual abuse.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ami Harshad Miller. It was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Southwest Missouri Cyber Crimes Task Force.

Springfield woman sentenced for distributing fentanyl that led to death

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

A Springfield, Mo., woman was sentenced in federal court today for providing the fentanyl that caused the death of a Springfield man.

Whitney R. Weiherer, 38, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Roseann A. Ketchmark to 12 years in federal prison without parole.

On Sept. 7, 2023, Weiherer pleaded guilty to distributing fentanyl causing death. Weiherer admitted she provided the fentanyl that caused the overdose death of a Springfield resident (identified in court documents as “J.W.”).

Springfield police officers were dispatched to J.W.’s apartment on Oct. 22, 2019, after receiving a call from the apartment complex’s property manager who conducted a wellness check at the apartment. Investigators examined J.W.’s cell phone and found several calls and texts with Weiherer on Oct. 5, 2019. Investigators also found photos of Weiherer that were taken the same day inside J.W.’s apartment; he was wearing the same clothes in the photos as he was found in when his body was discovered.

Investigators determined that J.W.’s death likely occurred within 10 to 15 minutes of taking the fentanyl supplied by Weiherer on Oct. 5, 2019, although his body wasn’t discovered until Oct. 22, 2019.

Weiherer had two prior felony convictions for possession of a controlled substance and was on probation at the time of the federal offense. Two months later, she was again arrested in possession of drugs, leading to her third felony conviction for possession of a controlled substance.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica R. Eatmon and Michael S. Oliver. It was investigated by the Springfield, Mo., Police Department.

Springfield man sentenced to 15 years for meth conspiracy

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

A Springfield, Mo., man has been sentenced in federal court for his role in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in Greene and Polk Counties, Mo., and illegally possessing five firearms.

Jeffrey S. Durbray, 61, was sentenced by U.S. Chief District Judge Beth Phillips on Monday, July 16, to 15 years in federal prison without parole.

On Dec. 19, 2023, Durbray pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime.

Durbray admitted that he participated in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in Greene and Polk Counties from March 5 to Oct. 10, 2019. Durbray also admitted he possessed five firearms in furtherance of the drug-trafficking conspiracy.

According to court documents, Durbray is responsible for distribution of more than six kilograms of methamphetamine in the Springfield area.

A confidential informant conducted two controlled purchases of methamphetamine from Durbray in April 2019. On April 24, 2019, a deputy with the Greene County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department stopped a Chevrolet Malibu in which Durbray was a passenger because it was missing a front license plate. The deputy searched the vehicle and found two firearms hidden behind a panel under the dash in the front of the center console. Law enforcement officers also found $2,003 in cash and four cell phones inside the vehicle. In the trunk, officers found cocaine, methamphetamine, a third firearm, and an additional $2,050 in cash. Durbray admitted the methamphetamine and the cash was his.

On Oct. 10, 2019, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Durbray’s residence. Officers found a Taurus 9mm semi-automatic pistol, ammunition, and 681.6 grams of methamphetamine Officers searched an RV and found a loaded Smith & Wesson .500-caliber revolver, a Ruger .45-caliber semi-automatic pistol with a loaded magazine, a Hi-Point 9mm semi-automatic pistol, a Heritage .22-caliber revolver, ammunition, and $1,423 in cash. In a white Subaru on the property, officers found ammunition and $2,401 in cash. Officers also searched Durbray, who possessed a taser, a bubble pipe, two cell phones and $10,790 in cash.

Under the terms of his plea agreement, Durbray must forfeit to the government the $14,614 in total seized by law enforcement officers at his residence as well as his interest, if any, in the $4,053 seized by law enforcement following the car stop on April 24, 2019.

Durbray was on parole for two previous drug-trafficking convictions at the time of the federal offense.

Durbray is the fourth and final defendant to be sentenced in this case. Zachary L. Day, 39, and Drake A. Cox, 69, both of Springfield, were each sentenced to 12 years in federal prison without parole. William E. Kurek, 52, of Springfield, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison without parole.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica R. Eatmon and J.D. Hatcher. It was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Springfield, Mo., Police Department, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, and the Greene County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department.

Springfield Police investigate murder in Party City parking lot

(From the Springfield Police Department)

On July 14, 2024, at 1:09 a.m., Springfield police officers responded after hearing gunshots in the area of the Party City parking lot, 2620 S. Campbell Ave.

Officers located Jesus Lopez Pacheco, 28, with multiple gunshot wounds in the parking lot. Pacheco died on scene. A second male, Josue Fernando Alvarado Valenzuela, 27, was located leaning inside a vehicle at the location with multiple non-life-threatening injuries. Valenzuela was transported to a local hospital for treatment. Both males are from Mexico. Pacheco’s family has been notified.

 

The Springfield Police Department Homicide Unit identified Josue Fernando Alvarado Valenzuela as the suspect in the case. Valenzuela was arrested and booked into the Greene County Jail. Valenzuela was charged with 2nd Degree Murder and Armed Criminal Action with no bond.

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

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

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

DNR awards city of Republic $50 million for wastewater system improvements

(From the Missouri Department of Natural Resources)

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has awarded $50 million in financial assistance to the city of Republic for upgrades to its wastewater treatment system. The project is estimated to total $102.7 million and should be completed by December 2026.

The project includes improvements to the city’s wastewater treatment plant to replace aging equipment, increase treatment for anticipated effluent limits and increase treatment capacity. The project is expected to improve water quality and extend the system’s life and efficiency.

Project funding consists of a $50 million low-interest loan through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund and $52.7 million from other sources. The funding provided by the department is estimated to save the city’s ratepayers approximately $27.1 million in interest over the loan’s 27-year term.

We believe in helping Missouri communities thrive, and this includes making sure they can upgrade important infrastructure like water treatment systems,” said Governor Mike Parson. “One of the ways we do that is by offering financial assistance through programs like the Clean Water State Revolving Fund.”

“Infrastructure such as wastewater systems are crucial to every community,” said Dru Buntin, director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. “Through this fund, we can help qualified cities like Republic identify and make the changes needed to improve their wastewater systems, which ultimately will improve the quality of life for Missourians.”

The Clean Water State Revolving Fund finances improvements to wastewater treatment facilities, sewer collection systems’ rehabilitation and extensions, and combined sewer overflow corrections. The fund also finances upgrades to security, efficiency and conservation measures. Communities that borrow from the fund benefit from the below-market interest rate and from assistance provided throughout their project from a department project manager.

The department is committed to assisting Missouri communities with water and wastewater infrastructure improvement projects. Through its Financial Assistance Center, the department provides funding opportunities for qualified communities with water quality, wastewater and drinking water infrastructure needs. This project will be funded wholly or in part with monies received from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

For more information on wastewater and drinking water funding opportunities, visit dnr.mo.gov/water/business-industry-other-entities/financial-opportunities/financial-assistance-center.

Greene County prosecutor files charges in double homicide- suspected killer still at large

(From the Springfield Police Department)

WANTED: Jeffrey Garrett, 39, from St. Louis, for the July 5 homicide of 46-year-old Jack Osborn and 44-year-old Melissa Smith (previously identified as Melissa Evans).

 
On July 9, 2024, the case was presented to the Greene County Prosecutor’s Office. Garrett was charged with two counts of 1st degree murder and two counts of armed criminal action with no bond.
Garrett is not currently in custody.

Detectives continue to investigate and ask anyone with information about Garrett’s location or this incident, to contact the Springfield Police Department at 417-864-1755 or make an anonymous call to Crime Stoppers at 417-869-TIPS (8477) or online at p3tips.com.

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.