Branson man pleads guilty to tax evasion

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Three dead following murder-suicide at Springfield home

(From the Springfield Police Department)

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

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

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

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

Springfield man convicted in meth conspiracy

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

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

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

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

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

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

Under federal statutes, Chambers is subject to a minimum sentence of 15 years imprisonment and up to life imprisonment in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tony Brown and Special Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Lucas. It was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Springfield, Mo., Police Department.

Mount Vernon man arrested after improvised explosive device found in vehicle

(From the Aurora-Marionville Police Department)

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

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

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

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

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

Springfield man sentenced to 95 months for illegally possessing firearm

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

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

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

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

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

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

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







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

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

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

(From MoDOT)

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

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

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

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

Traffic Impacts

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

I-44 detour routes include: 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Melville Road detour routes include: 

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

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

Norton Road Open

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

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

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

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

Springfield man sentenced to six years on conspiracy charge

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rogersville teens killed in rollover crash on 60

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

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

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

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

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

Springfield man pleads guilty to illegal possession of a firearm

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

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

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







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

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

Under federal statutes, Williams is subject to a sentence of up to 15 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

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