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

(From MoDOT)

TRAFFIC ALERT: Ramp CLOSED at Route 39 & I-44 in Lawrence Co. for Guardrail Repair March 12

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

When: 10 p.m., Wednesday, March 12 through 2 a.m., Thursday, March 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

Springfield man sentenced to 15 years for drug trafficking conspiracy, weapons offenses

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

Bryce A. LaNear, 27, Springfield, Mo., was sentenced today by United States District Court Judge Brian C. Wimes today to 15 years in federal court following his guilty plea and convictions for conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine as well as distribution of cocaine, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense. The Court also ordered the forfeiture of $7,950 seized from LaNear that were proceeds of LaNear’s drug distribution activity.

As LaNear admitted in his plea agreement, from April of 2017 to October of 2019, he conspired with others to distribute cocaine and more than 500 grams of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine as well as possessing firearms in furtherance of the conspiracy. 

On April 19, 2017, LaNear was arrested in possession of cocaine and methamphetamine that he intended to distribute to other persons as well as five firearms which he possessed in furtherance of his drug distribution activity. 

LaNear also sold cocaine to undercover Springfield, Missouri, police officers in August, September and December of 2017. On April 11, 2018, members of the United States Drug Enforcement Administration and the Springfield Police Department executed a search warrant on LaNear’s residence and discovered additional amounts of methamphetamine and another firearm. 

In May of 2018, Springfield Police Officers seized additional amounts of methamphetamine and another firearm from LaNear. The investigation concluded with the seizure on October 2, 2019, of over 5 kilograms of methamphetamine from one of LaNear’s codefendants. In total, LaNear was responsible for the distribution of over 9 kilograms of methamphetamine and over 3 kilograms of cocaine in the Springfield, Missouri, area.

This case was prosecuted by Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Randall D. Eggert and Assistant United States Attorney Cameron Beaver. It was investigated by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration and the Springfield, Missouri, Police Department.

Springfield Police arrest second suspect in February 9 murder

(From the Springfield Police Department)

On Feb. 24, 2025, the Springfield Police Department Homicide Unit arrested Nikki Stark, 28, of Willard, as the second suspect in the Feb. 9 murder of Phillip Farley, 45.

Stark is being held at the Greene County Jail with no bond.

On Feb. 19, 2024, the Greene County Prosecutor’s Office charged Stark with second-degree murder, armed criminal action, and kidnapping.

Anyone with information about this incident should 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.

GCPO 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:

The Springfield Police Department continues to investigate the Feb. 9 murder of Phillip Farley, 45, and has identified Nikki Stark, 28, of Willard, as a second suspect in this case.

The case was presented to the Greene County Prosecutor’s Office (GCPO). On Feb. 19, 2024, GCPO issued a warrant for Stark’s arrest charging him with second-degree murder, armed criminal action, and kidnapping.

Stark is not in custody and SPD is requesting the public’s help to locate him. Stark is a 5-foot-10, 180-pound white man with brown hair and blue eyes.

Anyone with information about Stark’s whereabouts or any information about this incident should 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.

GCPO 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:

The Springfield Police Department Homicide Unit continues to investigate the Feb. 9 murder of Phillip Farley, 45, and identified Matthias Jones, 49, of Springfield, as a suspect in this case.

On Feb. 13, 2025, the case was presented to the Greene County Prosecutor’s Office (GCPO). Jones was charged with first-degree murder, two counts of armed criminal action, kidnapping, and failure to register as a sex offender, second offense. He is being held at the Greene County Jail with no bond.

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.

GCPO 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 Feb. 9, 2025, at 9:07 p.m., Springfield Police Officers responded to the report of a person lying on the ground near the street at 1315 W. College St.

 

Officers located Phillip Farley, 45, from Springfield, with multiple stab wounds. Farley died on scene. Farley’s family has been notified.

No suspects have been identified at this time.

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 second homicide investigation in 2025.

Springfield Police Department saturation patrol nets five drunk drivers

(From the Springfield Police Department)

The Springfield Police Department arrested five impaired drivers during a five-hour saturation patrol on Friday, Feb. 21.

Officers used marked patrol vehicles to enforce hazardous moving violations commonly associated with intoxicated driving. There were 22 total vehicles stopped during this patrol. In addition to the five drivers arrested for driving while intoxicated, 20 citations were issued.

Taney County official pleads guilty to stealing $260,000

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

A former official with the Taney County Health Department pleaded guilty in federal court today to a scheme to embezzle approximately $260,000 from the agency.

Hugo Ricardo Huacuz, 51, waived his right to a grand jury and pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge David P. Rush to a five-count federal information. Huacuz pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud, two counts of stealing federal funds, one count of money laundering and one count of aggravated identity theft.

Huacuz was the chief operating officer and the chief financial officer of the Taney County Health Department until he resigned on Nov. 14, 2023. Huacuz had been employed by the health department since 2011.

By pleading guilty today, Huacuz admitted that he stole from the Taney County Health Department in a scheme that lasted from March 23, 2022, to Nov. 14, 2023. Huacuz caused the health department to write checks to Argon Investments, LLC, a company organized by Huacuz and his wife. Huacuz forged the signatures of health department members, using their identities without their permission. Huacuz caused the health department to issue 15 checks totaling approximately $259,000, which were deposited into the bank account of Argon Investments.

Huacuz used the stolen funds for personal expenses charged to his personal credit card, including automobile insurance, maintenance, repair and parts; restaurants; home construction items; gasoline; airline tickets and travel, including to Chicago, Illinois, New York State, San Diego, California, College Station, Texas, Nashville, Tennessee, Las Vegas, Nevada, and Portland, Oregon; utilities; dry cleaning; clothing; dental and medical care; and payments to the Missouri Secretary of State’s office for Argon’s LLC fees.

Health board members were not aware of the existence of Argon Investments or that any checks had been issued to Argon Investments. In order to conceal his scheme from the board, Huacuz caused these checks to be coded as payments to Sanofi Pasteur, Inc., a multinational pharmaceutical company. Huacuz falsely reported to the health department’s board that some of the checks written to Argon Investments were for items purchased from Sanofi, and created false invoices from Sanofi purportedly for the purchase of pharmaceutical and medical items, including COVID-19 testing kits.

In November 2023, the director of the Taney County Health Department received information concerning Huacuz’s job performance. The information stated that Huacuz was frequently absent from his job and that he had other businesses he was operating independent from his job at the health department. After reviewing the information, the director met with Huacuz on Nov. 13, 2023, and placed him on administrative leave. Huacuz went to the bank immediately afterward and withdrew more than $24,000 from the Argon bank account, leaving a balance of $100 in the account.

Under the terms of today’s plea agreement, Huacuz agrees that he embezzled at least $258,976 and, at the very least, this amount is subject to forfeiture and restitution. The government will recommend a sentence of no more than four years and six months in federal prison without parole while Huacuz will seek a sentence of three years in federal prison without parole. 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 Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Randall D. Eggert. It was investigated by the Department of Health and Human Services and the FBI.

Springfield Police identify second suspect in February 9 murder

(From the Springfield Police Department)

The Springfield Police Department continues to investigate the Feb. 9 murder of Phillip Farley, 45, and has identified Nikki Stark, 28, of Willard, as a second suspect in this case.

The case was presented to the Greene County Prosecutor’s Office (GCPO). On Feb. 19, 2024, GCPO issued a warrant for Stark’s arrest charging him with second-degree murder, armed criminal action, and kidnapping.

Stark is not in custody and SPD is requesting the public’s help to locate him. Stark is a 5-foot-10, 180-pound white man with brown hair and blue eyes.

Anyone with information about Stark’s whereabouts or any information about this incident should 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.

GCPO 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:

The Springfield Police Department Homicide Unit continues to investigate the Feb. 9 murder of Phillip Farley, 45, and identified Matthias Jones, 49, of Springfield, as a suspect in this case.

On Feb. 13, 2025, the case was presented to the Greene County Prosecutor’s Office (GCPO). Jones was charged with first-degree murder, two counts of armed criminal action, kidnapping, and failure to register as a sex offender, second offense. He is being held at the Greene County Jail with no bond.

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.

GCPO 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 Feb. 9, 2025, at 9:07 p.m., Springfield Police Officers responded to the report of a person lying on the ground near the street at 1315 W. College St.

Officers located Phillip Farley, 45, from Springfield, with multiple stab wounds. Farley died on scene. Farley’s family has been notified.

No suspects have been identified at this time.

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 second homicide investigation in 2025.

Springfield Police investigate officer-involved shooting

(From the Springfield Police Department)

On Feb. 16, 2025, at 10:41 p.m., Springfield police officers responded to 3405 E. Lomita St., for a domestic disturbance where the suspect was armed with a gun.

When officers arrived, the male suspect was standing in the driveway. An officer gave the suspect verbal commands, but he refused to comply. 

The officer shot the man and life-saving measures were immediately provided. The suspect was transported to the hospital with life-threatening injuries. No officers or bystanders were injured.

The officer involved in the shooting incident has been placed on administrative leave pending an internal investigation. The results of a concurrent criminal investigation will be presented to the Greene County Prosecutor's Office for review.

Springfield sex offender charged with first degree murder, kidnapping

(From the Springfield Police Department)

The Springfield Police Department Homicide Unit continues to investigate the Feb. 9 murder of Phillip Farley, 45, and identified Matthias Jones, 49, of Springfield, as a suspect in this case.

On Feb. 13, 2025, the case was presented to the Greene County Prosecutor’s Office (GCPO). Jones was charged with first degree murder, two counts of armed criminal action, kidnapping, and failure to register as a sex offender, second offense. He is being held at the Greene County Jail with no bond.

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.

GCPO 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 Feb. 9, 2025, at 9:07 p.m., Springfield Police Officers responded to the report of a person lying on the ground near the street at 1315 W. College St.

Officers located Phillip Farley, 45, from Springfield, with multiple stab wounds. Farley died on scene. Farley’s family has been notified.

No suspects have been identified at this time.

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 second homicide investigation in 2025.

Springfield Police Department investigates stabbing death

(From the Springfield Police Department)

On Feb. 9, 2025, at 9:07 p.m., Springfield Police Officers responded to the report of a person lying on the ground near the street at 1315 W. College St.

Officers located Phillip Farley, 45, from Springfield, with multiple stab wounds. Farley died on scene. Farley’s family has been notified.

No suspects have been identified at this time.

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 second homicide investigation in 2025.

Strafford man indicted for firearms, meth trafficking

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

A Strafford, Mo., man who purchased more than 50 firearms has been indicted by a federal grand jury for illegally trafficking firearms and methamphetamine.

David Allen Gaunt, 57, was charged in a 16-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City, Mo., on Tuesday, Feb. 4. The indictment replaces a criminal complaint that was filed against Gaunt on Jan. 16, 2025.

The federal indictment alleges that Gaunt participated in a conspiracy to traffic firearms from June 21, 2023, to Jan. 23, 2025. Those firearms, according to the indictment, included a Kalashnikov pistol, a Century Arms pistol, a Tokarev shotgun, a Canik pistol and an HS Produkt pistol. In addition to the conspiracy, Gaunt is charged with one count of trafficking those firearms to a recipient who was legally prohibited from possessing them.

The federal indictment also charges Gaunt with being an unlawful user of a controlled substance while in possession of 15 different firearms. Gaunt is charged with four counts of making a false statement to a licensed firearms dealer in order to purchase firearms, four counts of possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute, four counts of possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, and one count of distributing methamphetamine.

According to an affidavit filed in support of the original criminal complaint, Gaunt has personally purchased more than 50 firearms. On every purchase, the affidavit says, Gaunt marked “No” on the federal form that asked, “Are you an unlawful user of, or addicted to, marijuana or any depressant, stimulant, narcotic drug, or any other controlled substance?” Eighteen of these firearms have been recovered by law enforcement, from Gaunt and others. Additionally, 11 of the firearms Gaunt purchased have been either sold to or pawned at pawn shops.

Springfield police officers seized three of those firearms during the execution of two search warrants in separate drug-trafficking investigations in June 2023, and the Greene County Sheriff’s Department seized one of those firearms during enforcement activities in July 2023. All of the firearms were seized from individuals who were legally prohibited from possessing firearms, the affidavit says, and were traced to Gaunt as the original purchaser.

On Aug. 16, 2023, Springfield police officers stopped Gaunt near S. Glenstone Avenue and E. St. Louis Street. When officers searched his vehicle, they found six firearms. On Nov. 6, 2024, Springfield officers conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle operated by Gaunt. Officers seized a Sig Sauer 9mm pistol from Gaunt’s waistband. A clear plastic bag of methamphetamine was found in the center console of the vehicle.

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 Greene County, Mo., Sheriff’s Department, the Springfield, Mo., Police Department, and the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

Springfield man pleads guilty to traveling to Louisiana to have sex with 12-year-old

(From the U. S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Louisiana0

U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced that ERIC CHARLES FULLER (“FULLER”), age 54, from Springfield, Missouri, pled guilty on February 4, 2025, before United States District Judge Greg Gerard Guidry, to interstate travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2423(b).

According to court documents, on or about December 7, 2023, law enforcement personnel, operating undercover online and pretending to be a twenty-nine-year-old mother with a twelve-year-old daughter, met FULLER on a social network and messaging application. 

Over approximately the next month, on numerous occasions, FULLER discussed his interest in engaging in various sexual acts with the “mother” and daughter.” These discussions culminated in FULLER making arrangements to travel from his residence in Springfield, Missouri, to the New Orleans, Louisiana area to engage in sexual contact, individually and collectively, with the ”mother” and “daughter.” During his conversations, FULLER described the contact he anticipated as “highly taboo,” “highly illegal,” “risky,” “not the worst way to be,” and “a way to have a happier life.” FULLER drove from Springfield, Missouri on about January 11, 2024, and arrived at a predetermined location in Mandeville, Louisiana, on January 12, 2024, in order to engage in sexual conduct with the individual FULLER believed to be a twelve-year-old female.

FULLER faces a maximum term of imprisonment of thirty (30) years. FULLER also faces at least five (5) years, and up to a lifetime of supervised release, up to a $250,000 fine and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. FULLER may also be required to register as a sex offender. Sentencing before Judge Guidry has been scheduled for May 13, 2025.

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

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Jordan Ginsberg, Chief of the Public Integrity Unit, is in charge of the prosecution.

Retired Springfield K9 officer Charlie, 12, dies at home

(From the Springfield Police Department)

On Thursday, Jan. 30, retired K9 officer Charlie died at home, surrounded by his family. He was 12 years old. K9 Charlie served SPD with handler, Sgt. Michael Karnes, for six years before retiring in 2020.

Charlie, a Malinois from Denmark, came to SPD in June 2014. He was a model K9 and enjoyed working, whether it was tracking bad guys, searching buildings, conducting car sniffs, or doing article searches.

“My favorite thing about Charlie was his work ethic and I will miss him,” said Karnes. “Charlie was methodical, intelligent, and I always knew he would give his best effort. Charlie was the best partner I have ever had. The bond I had with him, unless you are a handler, is hard to describe in words.”

In retirement, Charlie continued to live with Karnes and was a member of the family. He enjoyed relaxing and playing outside in the yard.

Springfield man killed in car-bicycle collision

(From the Springfield Police Department)

On Feb. 3, 2025, at 7:33 p.m., officers with the Springfield Police department responded to the area of Campbell and Normal for a motor vehicle crash involving a van, bicyclist, and motorcycle.

Herbert Lafferty Jr., 65, from Springfield, was driving a tan 2007 Ford Freestyle northbound on Campbell Avenue, passing Normal Street, when he hit Qiping Ran, 30, from Springfield, who was stopped in the roadway on a bicycle. Following the collision, Ran’s bicycle crossed into the southbound lane, where it was hit by a motorcyclist on a 2010 Honda CBR 1000. The motorcyclist was not injured.

 

Ran was transported to the hospital with life-threatening injuries. On Feb. 4, 2025, Ran died at the hospital. Ran’s family was notified.

There was no evidence of impairment or speed as a factor in this crash.

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 third fatal motor vehicle crash in 2025.

Springfield woman killed in car-pedestrian accident on E. Battlefield Road

(From the Springfield Police Department)

On Jan. 16, 2025, at 12:35 p.m., officers with the Springfield Police Department were responded to 3260 E. Battlefield Rd., for a motor vehicle crash involving a pedestrian.

Curtis Jones, 80, from Springfield, was driving a silver 2017 Ford F150 in the parking lot when Jones hit a pedestrian, Juliann MacDonald, 77, from Springfield. MacDonald was transported to the hospital.

On Jan. 27, MacDonald died from her injuries. MacDonald’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 second traffic fatality in 2025.

Pedestrian is Springfield's first traffic fatality for 2025

(From the Springfield Police Department)

On Jan. 24, 2025, at 11:57 a.m., officers with the Springfield Police Department responded to the area near Kearney Street and Jefferson Avenue for a motor vehicle crash involving a pedestrian.

Duron Kinsey-Starks, 28, from Ozark, was driving westbound on Kearney Avenue in a 1995 Geo Prizm when Everett Fleming, 44, of Winfield, Kan., stepped into the road and was hit. Fleming was attempting to cross Kearney from north to south. Fleming did not use a marked crosswalk.

Fleming died at the scene. Fleming’s next of kin has been notified.

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

This was Springfield’s first traffic fatality in 2025.

Aurora woman arrested for murdering her husband, says she also killed her child's biological father

(From the Aurora-Marionville Police Department)

The Aurora-Marionville Police Department is actively investigating a homicide that occurred in the early morning hours of January 23, 2025.

At approximately 1:45 a.m., Taylor Santiago arrived at the Aurora Police and Fire Facility and called from the parking lot, reporting that she had just murdered her estranged husband, Troy Huffman, at her residence. 

Officers immediately took Ms. Santiago into custody and responded to her apartment, where they located a deceased male identified as Troy Huffman.

During her statement, Ms. Santiago also disclosed that she had driven to Arkansas earlier and shot two additional victims, one of whom was the biological father of one of her children. 

The Aurora-Marionville Police Department is actively working with the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office in Arkansas to assist with their investigation into the homicide reported in that jurisdiction.

The firearm believed to have been used in these incidents has been seized by the Aurora-Marionville Police Department. At this time, there is no ongoing threat to the Aurora or Marionville community.
Ms. Santiago is currently being held at the Lawrence County Jail pending the filing of charges Murder in the 1st Degree and additional crimes. It is important to note that she is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

The Aurora-Marionville Police Department extends its gratitude to the Carroll County Arkansas Sheriff’s Office and the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office for their cooperation and assistance in this multi-jurisdictional investigation. Additional information will be released as it becomes available.

Springfield felon sentenced to 15 years for illegal firearm

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

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

Timothy S. Brandkamp, 64, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Brian C. Wimes to 15 years in federal prison without parole. Brandkamp was sentenced as an armed career criminal due to his prior felony convictions.

On March 13, 2024, Brandkamp pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm. Brandkamp admitted he was in possession of a Taurus 9mm pistol and approximately 12 rounds of ammunition from Oct. 14 to 20, 2022.

Brandkamp was arrested on Oct. 14, 2022, for violating the conditions of his supervised release in an unrelated federal case. While he was incarcerated, he contacted a relative and asked her to remove items from his residence that a “felon was not supposed to have.” That relative contacted the authorities. U.S. Probation and Parole officers located the loaded firearm under a bedspread in the bedroom of Brandkamp’s residence.

Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who is convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Brandkamp has a federal felony conviction for possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute, for which he was on supervised release at the time of the offense after serving 13 years in federal prison. Brandkamp also has two prior felony convictions for selling methamphetamine, as well as prior felony convictions for possessing methamphetamine, selling an imitation controlled substance, and assault.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony M. Brown. It was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the U.S. Probation and Pretrial Services Office.

Springfield man sentenced to 25 Years for drug trafficking, fatal shooting

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

A Springfield, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today in two separate criminal cases for drug trafficking and fatally shooting another person.

Austin A. Ball, 31, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Brian C. Wimes to 25 years in federal prison without parole.

On April 30, 2024, Ball pleaded guilty to one count of attempting to distribute marijuana and one count of discharging a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking offense. In a separate case, Ball also pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.

Ball admitted that he went to a local gas station on April 19, 2020, to distribute marijuana. After he arrived at the gas station, Ball saw a person identified in court documents as “C.T.” approach his vehicle and feared that C.T. was going to rob him. Ball fired his .380-caliber firearm at C.T. through his driver’s side window. A bullet struck C.T. The injuries from that bullet caused C.T.’s death later that day. Law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Ball’s residence and found the firearm that was used by Ball to cause the death of C.T.

In the second federal criminal case, Ball admitted that he participated in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine from April 19, 2017, to Oct. 2, 2019. Ball admitted that he was in possession of 62 grams of methamphetamine, some clonazepam, alprazolam, $872 in cash, and three cell phones when he was stopped by a Springfield police officer while driving a motorcycle on April 11, 2018.

Ball is the sixth defendant to be sentenced in the second case. Two co-defendants have pleaded guilty and await sentencing.

These cases were prosecuted by Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Randall D. Eggert and Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron A. Beaver. They were investigated by the Springfield, Mo., Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, IRS-Criminal Investigation, and the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

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.