Weaubleau man charged with child pornography involving Springfield teen and horse

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

Tammy Dickinson, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced that a Weaubleau, Missouri man was charged in federal court today with producing, receiving, and possessing child pornography after exchanging pornographic images with a teenage girl via cell phone.

Larry Allison, 49, of Weaubleau, was charged in a federal criminal complaint filed in the U.S. District Court in Springfield, Missouri. Allison remains in federal custody pending a detention hearing.

According to an affidavit filed in support of today’s criminal complaint, Springfield Police officers were contacted by the victim’s mother on January 9, 2014, to report an incident that occurred earlier that day. The mother had observed another daughter walking home from school when Allison pulled up to her in his car and stopped. Allison apparently mistook the younger daughter for her sister, identified in the affidavit as “minor victim” (MV). The mother went to the victim’s school, located MV, and took her cell phone. She found several text messages and photos allegedly sent between MV and Allison.

The text messaging, which started on January 4, 2014, became sexual in nature, according to the affidavit. Allison allegedly sent MV a nude photo of himself and asked her to send nude photos of herself to him, which she did.

A Springfield detective, portraying herself as MV, began texting Allison. Allison allegedly asked her sexual questions, invited her to come live with him, and suggested that she perform oral sex on his horse.

Law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Allison’s residence on Thursday, January 30, 2014. Officers questioned Allison about the text messages and the photos and placed him under arrest.

Dickinson cautioned that the charge contained in this complaint 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 James J. Kelleher. It was investigated by the FBI and the Springfield, Misssouri Police Department.

Nixon describes Good Schools, Good Jobs plan during Cassville visit

(From Gov. Jay Nixon)

Good schools are vital to Missouri’s ability to compete and create jobs in the global economy, Gov. Jay Nixon said today during a visit to Cassville High School in Barry County.  The Governor’s “Good Schools, Good Jobs”plan, which he detailed during his State of the State last week, will provide the resources to help the Cassville R-IV School District reduce class sizes and protect access to early childhood education.

“We must make sure that every student has the opportunity to attend a good school so that when they graduate, they are on a solid path to college or a career,” Gov. Nixon said. “As a result of our strict fiscal discipline and growing economy, we now have the ability to equip our schools with the tools they need to teach today’s students for tomorrow’s jobs. The choice before us is clear: we can build on our momentum by investing in our schools, or we can settle for less and watch our students – and our economy – fall behind.”

Gov. Nixon’s Fiscal Year 2015 budget proposal includes an increase of $278 million for K-12 classrooms, putting the state on a path to fully funding the foundation formula in two years.  The K-12 foundation formula, passed into law in 2005, establishes the state’s funding level for K-12 schools.  This would increase funding for the Cassville R-IV School District by more than $654,000, which the district will use to hire more teachers to reduce class sizes, increase technology in the classroom and protect early childhood educational opportunities through the district’s pre-school program.

“Gov. Nixon’s ‘Good Schools, Good Jobs’ plan will help the Cassville R-IV School District improve learning and provide our students with the resources needed for a 21st century education,” said Cassville Superintendent Richard Asbill. “On behalf of Cassville and other Barry county schools, we hope that all of our local legislators will join in the honorable effort to fund schools and support the students and parents they represent.”

Gov. Nixon has made public education in Missouri a top priority of his administration. Math and reading scores have increased on his watch and Missouri’s high school graduation rate is now the eighth highest in the nation. Over the past five years, Missouri has also led the nation in minimizing tuition increases at its public universities.

Nixon presents Flag of Freedom award to Monett's EFCO Corp.

(From Gov. Jay Nixon)

A business in Monett that has hired 24 military veterans since becoming part of the Show-Me Heroes program today received the Flag of Freedom award from Gov. Jay Nixon. The Governor presented the designation to EFCO Corp. at a ceremony at the business. EFCO, a Pella Company, is a leading manufacturer of architectural systems for commercial buildings.

“EFCO is honoring the sacrifices made by the men and women of our armed services by making it a priority to hire veterans when they return home,” Gov. Nixon said. “Our veterans have already demonstrated their dedication, discipline and skills in serving our country, and I encourage more Missouri employers to join the ranks of those who have hired a veteran through the Show-Me Heroes program.” 

“Veterans are highly-respected for their work ethic and versatile skills that make them a key part of the success of our team,” said EFCO President and Chief Operating Officer (COO) Mike Farquhar. “EFCO is proud to employ hard-working veterans who have bravely served our country, and now call Missouri home, as they serve EFCO customers across the USA.”

The Show-Me Heroes program, established by Gov. Nixon in January 2010, is designed to connect military veterans with job opportunities when they return home from service. Administered by the Missouri Division of Workforce Development, Show-Me Heroes showcases Missouri businesses that are willing and eager to hire veterans. Employers participating in the Show-Me Heroes program sign a pledge to ramp up efforts to reach out to, recruit and interview veterans for job openings at their business.

So far, 3,460 Missouri businesses have taken the Show-Me Heroes pledge and 6,002 veterans have been hired. Those businesses like EFCO that have hired veterans receive the Flag of Freedom award, which consists of a plaque featuring an American flag patch from the combat uniform of a member of the Missouri National Guard worn while that Citizen-Soldier or Airman was deployed in Iraq or Afghanistan.

In 2012, Gov. Nixon signed HB 1680 to further strengthen the Show-Me Heroes program. HB 1680 added an on-the-job (OJT) training component for returning National Guard and Reservists and recently-separated active duty service members that Show-Me Heroes employers agree to hire.

Through an OJT program, employers will be reimbursed for 50 percent of Show-Me Heroes participant’s wages during a contracted training period. These resources will help Missouri veterans obtain necessary skills to transition from military to civilian careers.

Employers who wish to participate in Show-Me Heroes can visit the state’s Web site, MO.gov, to register and take the pledge. Once a company has done so, it is listed prominently in an online database that highlights veteran-friendly employers across Missouri. The database includes contact information for the businesses and links to their Web sites. Employers receive a special certificate, signed by the Governor, and a decal to display at their location. The Show-Me Heroes Web site is a one-stop-shop that, in addition to the employer directory, also includes resources for job-seeking veterans such as links to employment openings in state government.

“Missouri’s military veterans have served honorably, are well trained, and make excellent employees. That’s why my administration remains committed to helping our veterans find jobs when they return home,” Gov. Nixon said. “I ask every employer in Missouri to join us in this effort by visiting MO.gov today to take the Show-Me Heroes pledge so we can support our veterans and grow our economy.”

“The EFCO team is deeply honored to earn the prestigious Show-Me Heroes Flag of Freedom award, presented by Governor Nixon,” Farquhar said.

In addition to Show-Me Heroes, another measure the state has taken under Gov. Nixon to encourage veterans to live, work, and retire here in Missouri came in 2009 when the Governor signed legislation gradually phasing out the state tax on military retirement income. Under the new law, by 2016, military veterans will not pay any state taxes on military pensions.

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Bids being taken for Lamar license office

(From the Missouri Office of Administration)

The Missouri Office of Administration is now accepting management contract bids for the Lamar License Office. Interested individuals and groups must submit their bids to operate the Lamar License Office by Feb. 21, 2014.

A copy of the Request for Proposal (RFP) bidders are required to use to develop their bids can be viewedhere. Prospective bidders may also tour the Lamar office from 5:15 to 6:15 p.m., Feb. 6 to gain perspective on how a license office is operated.

In fiscal year 2013, more than 24,000 transactions were conducted at the Lamar office, generating approximately $82,000 in agent processing fees.

The Missouri Department of Revenue oversees 182 license offices which are each operated by independent agents. All of the license offices were put out for bid under the competitive procurement process in 2009. Contracts were awarded for one year with three one-year renewal options. The move toward a competitive procurement process of the license offices overhauled the way local motor vehicle and driver license offices are awarded and was one of the first actions of Gov. Jay Nixon's administration.

Bids will be evaluated on areas such as expertise of the personnel proposed, methods proposed for performing the services and whether the individual or entity is a not-for-profit, political subdivision, a Missouri Certified Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), a Women Business Enterprise (WBE) or a Missouri Service-Disabled Veteran Enterprise.  

DNR to hold hearing on proposed expansion of Springfield landfill

(From the Missouri Department of Natural Resources)

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources will hold a public awareness session on Feb. 20 to answer questions concerning the proposed expansion of the Springfield Sanitary Landfill. The session will include representatives from the department and the landfill and will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the Meyer Alumni Center at 300 S. Jefferson Ave. in Springfield.

The Springfield Sanitary Landfill has received approval to begin a geologic investigation for expansion of the landfill, which is located at 3545 W. Frontage Road 34 in Willard. A detailed site investigation work plan is being prepared. This public session will explain the application review process and the approximate permitting timeline.

Individuals requiring special services or accommodations to attend the meeting should contact the Missouri Department of Natural Resources Solid Waste Management Program, P.O. Box 176, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0176, or call 573-526-3940 or 800-361-4827 two weeks before the meeting. 

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Video- Springfield woman- How I discovered my husband was making porn videos with our children

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

Tammy Dickinson, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced that a Springfield, Mo., man was indicted by a federal grand jury today for using two minors to produce child pornography.

Ronald Mazza, 33, of Springfield, was charged in a three-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Springfield.

Today’s indictment alleges that Mazza used two minors, identified as “Jane Doe” and “John Doe,” to produce child pornography between Aug. 1 and Dec. 1, 2013. Each count, upon conviction, carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in federal prison without parole.

Mazza is also charged with one count of receiving and distributing child pornography over the Internet between Aug. 1 and Dec. 1, 2013.

Dickinson cautioned that 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 James J. Kelleher. It was investigated by the Springfield, Mo., Police Department and the FBI.

(The accompanying video is from the Springfield News-Leader.)

Stella man indicted for transporting a minor across state lines for sex

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

 Tammy Dickinson, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced today that a Stella, Mo., man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for transporting a minor across state lines for illicit sex.

Tong Yang, 45, of Stella, was charged in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Springfield, Mo., on Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2014.

The federal indictment alleges that Yang transported a minor across state lines to Newton County, Mo., on Dec. 7, 2013, with the intent to engage in illicit sexual activity.

Dickinson cautioned that 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 Patrick Carney. It was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Cassville, Mo., Police Department and the Neosho, Mo., Police Department.