In the early morning hours of Thursday, Aug. 23, officers from multiple state, county, and city law enforcement agencies concluded a series of long-term narcotics investigations in Texas County.
Over the course of approximately three years, officers with the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the South Central Drug Task Force, Texas County and Wright County sheriff’s departments, and Cabool, Houston, Licking, Mountain Grove, and Summersville police departments conducted a series of narcotics investigations involving the distribution/sales/possession of methamphetamine, cocaine, marijuana, and prescription medications.
The investigation involved approximately 46 individuals in and around the Texas County, Missouri, area.  Grand jury indictments for each defendant were obtained through the Texas County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office prior to the mass arrest operation initiated Thursday morning.
Arrest teams consisted of members of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Texas County Sheriff’s Department, Cabool Police Department, Houston Police Department, Licking Police Department, Mountain Grove Police Department, Summersville Police Department, and South Central Drug Task Force.
Following is a list of individuals arrested and charged with the distribution of a controlled substance:
Dalton R. Backues, 21, Licking; Jerry W. Bolden, 60, Houston; Christina Brotherton, 42, Licking;  Jessica N. Brown, 28, Mountain Grove; Brandon P. Duneske, 34, Houston; Jesse L. Houston, 25, Licking; Arthur L. Huffman, 35, Cabool; Karen Katzman, 57, Licking; William J. Keller, 27, Licking; Evelyn R. Klein, 37, Bucyrus; Jo A. Korbus, 55, Licking; Robert B. Korbus, 52, Licking; Dawn D. Lord, 33, Licking; Jeffrey A. Mabrey, 42, Houston; Thomas R. McGuire, 49, Raymondville; Candice D. Mitchell, 40, Cabool; Christopher T. Mitchell, 30, Mountain Grove; Deeann M. Morris, 31, Licking; Craig L. Porter, 42, Edgar Springs; Douglas Reeves, 39, Salem;  James W. Reid, 64, Cabool; Jennifer L. Royal, 23, Licking; Robin L. Shelton, 30, Mountain Grove; Carrie L. Stafford, 33, Mountain Grove; Kay Lynn Stalder, 48, Mountain Grove; Michael D. Sullins, 41, Licking; Wendy L. Sullins, 33, Licking; Christina M. Villarreal, 23, Houston; Theresa L. Villarreal, 45, Houston; James D. Wakenight, 32, Summersville; Hal D. Wallace, 38, Mansfield; Cassadie L. Washburn, 20, Houston; Christine White, 45, Raymondville; Diana M. Wilder, 29, Licking; Michael W. Wilder, 49, Licking; James J. Woolsey, 22, Summersville; Matthew J. Young, 30, Bucyrus.
The following individual was arrested on outstanding warrants from Texas County, Wright County, and the city of Mountain Grove; Timothy E. Sullins, 32, Raymondville.
This operation is active and arrest teams are still seeking to arrest those indicted.
The charges for which these individuals were arrested are mere accusations and are not evidence of guilt.  Evidence in support of the charges must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.

On Tuesday, Oct. 2, during Law Day, Judge John Moody sentenced the following people to the Department of Corrections:

Roderick Hebert, 44, of Springfield, Ill., was sentenced to 5 years in prison for passing bad checks after Hebert violated his probation based on violation reports from Probation and Parole. The original offense occurred on Aug. 20, 2010.

Sean Roberson, 24, of Mt. Vernon, was sentenced to two years in prison for burglary 2nd degree after Roberson violated his probation based on violation reports from Probation and Parole. The original offense occurred on Oct. 30, 2011.

Raymond Baird, 43, of Ava, was sentenced to two years in prison for possession of a controlled substance after Baird absconded from Probation and Parole and committed other violations as well. The original offense occurred Jan. 8, 2011.

On Tuesday, Nov. 6, during November Law Day, Judge John Moody sentenced the following people to the Department of Corrections:

David Henry, 35, of Mansfield, was sentenced to 10 years in prison for distribution of a controlled substance after Henry admitted to violating his probation. The original offense occurred on July 29, 2008. Henry was sentenced under 217.262, RSMo., which requires him to complete long term treatment within the Department of Corrections.

Charles Pollard, 34, of Ava, was sentenced to three years in prison for damaging jail property. This offense occurred on Oct. 21, while Pollard was being held in the Douglas County Jail on an unrelated charge.

Justin Stanton, 33, of Crane, was sentenced to three years in prison for resisting arrest by fleeing after violating his probation. The original offense occurred on Oct. 25, 2008. Stanton is currently incarcerated in the Department of Corrections and this sentence will run concurrently with the Stone County charge that he is already serving in prison. Stanton was sentenced under 217.362, RSMo, which requires him to complete long term treatment while incarcerated.

Crystal Prock, 30, of Ava, was sentenced to seven years in prison for stealing after Prock violated her probation based on a report by Probation and Parole.

The original offense occurred on Oct. 14, 2009.

Prock was also sentenced to four years in prison for the new charge of resisting arrest by fleeing, which occurred on Aug. 30 of this year. The sentences will run consecutively for a total of 11 years in the Department of Corrections.

During 2012, five felony trials were tried and concluded with convictions.  The convictions are as follows:  conspiracy to distribute narcotics; child molestation, 7-year sentence to the Department of Corrections;  unlawful use of weapon, 4-year sentence to the Department of Corrections;  auto tampering, 5-year sentence to the Department of Corrections; and manufacturing of drugs, 3-year sentence to the Department of Corrections.

As for the appointment of special Prosecutors in Douglas County during 2012, there were eleven appointments costing Douglas County a total of $100.

In 2013, there are murder cases set for weeklong jury trials in Pulaski County, April 22, 2013, State v Jensen;  and June 18, 2013, State v. Jorgensen.  Both involve the beating and stabbing death of Kenny Stout, age 17, in Douglas County.

Indictments Issued by Grand Jury

At the request of the Prosecuting Attorney of Douglas County, a Grand Jury was recently empaneled by Circuit Judge John Moody.

On November 30, 2012, the grand jury was sworn and received testimony on 29 various criminal matters.  The Grand Jury returned 24 indictments, and four “no true bills”, which means no indictment was returned.

The cases ranged from rape, sexual assault, financial exploitation of the elderly, felony theft of timber, auto tampering, robbery, felony stealing and possession and production of methamphetamines.

Prosecuting Attorney Roger Wall states that all indictments are sealed until the warrants are served by law enforcement.

The cases submitted to the Grand Jury were a culmination of investigative efforts undertaken by the Missouri Highway Patrol, Douglas County Sheriff’s Department, Ava City Police and the Missouri Department of Social Services, Division of Aging.

Indictments Remain Sealed Until Warrants are Served

A grand jury empaneled in late November by Circuit Judge John Moody returned 24 indictments, it was revealed last week.

The grand jury was requested by Douglas County Prosecuting Attorney Roger Wall.

On Nov. 30, the grand jury was sworn and received testimony on 29 various criminal matters. The grand jury returned 24 indictments and four “no true bills”, which means no indictment was returned.

The cases ranged from rape, sexual assault, financial exploitation of the elderly, felony theft of timber, auto tampering, robbery, felony stealing and possession and production of methamphetamines.

Prosecutor Wall said all indictments are sealed until the warrants are served by law enforcement.

The cases submitted to the grand jury were a culmination of investigative efforts undertaken by the Missouri Highway Patrol, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Department, the Ava City Police, and the Missouri Department of Social Services – Division of Aging.

Christopher Runolfsson

One word of advice: if you have drugs in the car, don’t do anything suspicious.
Local law enforcement officers were recently alerted to a drive-off without paying at a local convenience store as well as possible stealing from a local business.
On Jan. 3, Sheriff Chris Degase and Deputy Nathan Long arrested Christopher Runolfsson in the Cooper Lumber Parking lot.
Runolfsson was wanted for questioning for a gas drive off in Ava and stealing from a local merchant.
While Deputy Long detained the suspect, Sheriff Degase began interviewing him, and subsequently items used to manufacture drugs were located in his vehicle. A chainsaw allegedly stolen out of North Carolina was also located in the vehicle.
A warrant was obtained for the arrest of Runolfsson for possession of methamphetamine precursors with the intent to manufacture, receiving stolen property, and unlawful use of drug paraphernalia. Bond was set by Circuit Judge Craig Carter at $14,000 or 10 percent cash.
Runolfsson is currently incarcerated in the Douglas County Jail. The Ava Police Department has a hold on Runolfsson pending the outcome of their investigation into the gas drive off and stealing complaints.

Three offenders were sentenced to prison terms by 44th Circuit Judge Craig Carter on Tuesday.

According to information released by Prosecuting Attorney Roger Wall, Lloyd D. Perryman Jr., 31, of Ava, was sentenced to five years in prison for 2nd-degree robbery. The offense occurred on Nov. 9, 2012, and was investigated by the Ava Police Department.

Trevor Pippin, 19, of Ava, was sentenced to three years in prison for tempering with a motor vehicle, 1st degree. The offense occurred on Dec. 16, 2012, and was also investigated by the Ava Police Department.

Pippin was on probation for receiving stolen property and possession of drug paraphernalia, and Judge Carter revoked Pippin’s probation on those two cases and ordered the sentences executed. Pippin will serve three years on each case, with the sentences to run concurrently.

Autumn Smith, 31, of Ava, was sentenced to three years in prison after Judge Carter revoked her probation, based on violation reports submitted by probation and parole. Smith admitted to violating her probation and the three-year sentence was ordered executed.

KANSAS CITY – Tammy Dickinson has taken the oath of office to become the United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri. Dickinson was nominated by President Obama in July 2012 and confirmed by unanimous consent of the U.S. Senate on Jan. 1, 2013. She took the oath of office late yesterday from U.S. District Judge Beth Phillips, the former U.S. Attorney.

“I’m honored to serve as the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Missouri,” said Dickinson. “I would like to thank President Obama, Congress, and especially Senators McCaskill and Blunt for their support.

“As a career state prosecutor, I look forward to working with my colleagues and law enforcement partners at the federal level,” Dickinson said. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office has earned the respect of our community and a reputation for pursuing justice and enforcing the law without prejudice. I will strive to uphold that proud tradition.”

As U.S. Attorney, Dickinson is the top-ranking federal law enforcement official in the Western District of Missouri, which includes Kansas City, St. Joseph, Columbia, Jefferson City, and Springfield. She oversees a staff of 127 employees, including 64 attorneys and 63 non-attorney support personnel. The office is responsible for prosecuting federal crimes in the district, including crimes related to terrorism, public corruption, child exploitation, firearms, and narcotics. The office also defends the United States in civil cases and collects debts owed to the United States.

Dickinson, a Kansas City, Mo., native, has been a trial attorney her entire legal career. She has been the Chief Trial Assistant for the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office since 2002 after working as an assistant prosecutor in that office beginning in 1998.

Dickinson received her J.D. in 1998 from the University of Missouri Law School and her B.A. in 1989 from Webster University. She is a member of the Missouri Bar Association and the Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association.

SPRINGFIELD – Tammy Dickinson, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced that a Cabool, Mo., man was charged in federal court today with enticing a 14-year-old girl to engage in illicit sex.

Scott Dwayne Baker, 45, of Cabool, was charged in a federal criminal complaint filed in the U.S. District Court in Springfield, Mo.

According to an affidavit filed in support of today’s criminal complaint, a Missouri State Highway Patrol trooper received a report on Saturday, Feb. 2, 2013, that a 14-year-old minor had received numerous text messages of a sexual nature from Baker. Baker was well aware of the minor’s age, the affidavit says. The trooper assumed the identity of the child victim and began communicating with Baker via cell phone text messages. During one text session, the affidavit says, Baker sent a pornographic image of himself to the child victim.

On Sunday, Feb. 3, 2013, the undercover officer continued a lengthy text message conversation with Baker during the Super Bowl. Baker sent explicitly sexual messages during this exchange, according to the affidavit. When the undercover officer informed him that the child victim was planning to skip school on Monday, the affidavit says, Baker replied by asking for her to skip school today instead, because he would be off work and they could meet at her house while she was at home alone. Baker was asked to bring a Dr. Pepper and a candy bar for the child victim.

When Baker arrived at the child victim’s residence at approximately noon Monday, Feb. 4, 2013, bringing the Dr. Pepper and candy bar, he was arrested by officers of the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

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 Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael S. Oliver. It was investigated by the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Southwest Missouri Cyber Crimes Task Force and the FBI.

Two people were sentenced to prison terms in Douglas County Circuit Court on Tuesday.

Sentenced by Circuit Judge Craig Carter were Shane W. Barbrow, 35, of Ava, and Kenneth W. Roberts, 58, also of Ava.

Barbrow was sentenced to six years in prison for 2nd degree assault. The offense occurred on July 12, 2012, and was investigated by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Department.

Roberts was sentenced to five years in prison for unlawful possession of a firearm and five years for DWI-chronic offender. These offenses occurred on Jan. 13 of this year, with the investigation conducted by the Missouri State Highway Patrol. The sentences will run concurrently.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol made two arrests during the past week in Douglas County.

On Feb. 10, at 4:16 a.m., Jeffrey S. Holmes, 25, of Springfield, was arrested on an outstanding West Plains Police Department warrant for driving while suspended, and was also issued a summons for driving while suspended and no seat belt. He was placed in the Douglas County Jail on the bondable offense.

On Feb. 8, Robert L. Doran, 41, of Ava, was arrested on numerous charges and placed in the Douglas County Jail without bond.

Troop G reported that Doran was arrested in Douglas County at 11:31 a.m. Friday. In the report it is stated that Doran committed felony resisting arrest by fleeing and also committed the felony of willfully resisting arrest when he opposed a member of the Highway Patrol in the proper discharge of his duties. He also faces a felony Douglas County Sheriff’s Department warrant for vehicle theft and faces two misdemeanor police department warrants for failure to appear.

The Douglas County Circuit Court criminal law day was held Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2015. Fifty felony cases were on the docket. The following individuals were sentenced to the Department of Corrections:

Trevor Pippin, 21, Squires, pled guilty to three felonies. He received 8 years for 2^nd Degree Assault on law enforcement officer, 8 years for 2^nd Degree Assault and he received 7 years for tampering with a motor vehicle. The charges stem from a January 3, 2015 high-speed chase with Pippin after he stole a vehicle. During the pursuit, Pippin reached speeds of over 100 mph on Highway 14 just east of the Ava city limits. He lost control of his vehicle on a sharp curve and it turned 180 degrees and came back at the pursuing officers in their lane of traffic. The stolen vehicle Pippin was driving crashed with the vehicle driven by Deputy Gabe Stroud and Detention Officer Taylor Wallace. Both were injured in the wreck.

Derrick Hensley, 28, Mtn. Grove, had his probation revoked and received a 7-year sentence for Stealing.

Ronald Watkins, 34, Mtn. Grove, had his probation revoked and received 3 years on two separate cases for Burglary and Stealing.

Zachary Mayberry, 22, West Plains, had his probation revoked and was sentenced to 4 years for Possession of Hydrocodone.

Michael Bailey, 34, Ava, had his probation revoked and was sentenced to 4 years for possession of methamphetamine.

Ava Police Chief Reggie Johnson said this week that two Douglas County men have been arrested and are being held for burglaries and stealing in Douglas, Ozark and Taney counties.
Jessie Pickel, 19, of Ava, is charged with Class C felony stealing at the Ava Walmart Store. His bond in that case has been set at $20,000.
Pickel and Owen Dobbs, also 19 of Ava, are charged in Ozark County for break-ins at the Thornfield School and Terry’s Feed at Theodosia; and the pair are charged in Taney County at the Mark Twain School.
Chief Johnson said charges are also pending in Douglas County where the two were allegedly involved in stealing at Highway Church of the Nazarene north of Ava.
Both men are being held in Ozark County at this time, Johnson said.
Pickel is being held without bond on the Ozark County charges and Dobbs’ bond in Ozark County was set at $2,000. Both are charged with Class A felony burglary and 2nd degree felony theft.
Bond for each of the men, similarly charged in Taney County with burglary and stealing, has been set at $10,000.
The investigations leading to these arrests were conducted by sheriff’s departments in Ozark, Taney and Douglas counties, as well as the Ava Police Department.
Chief Johnson reminds residents of Ava if you have a crime to report, please call the Ava Police Department at 683-2931.

On Friday night, Jan. 23, 2015, just before 10 p.m., after a five day trial in Shannon County, a jury of nine men and three women found Howell County resident Craig Belcher, 28, of Pottersville, Missouri, not guilty of charges stemming from a shooting which occurred on August 7, 2011, in Howell County.

Howell County Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Josh Corman filed the initial charges in the matter accusing Mr. Belcher of Assault in the First Degree, by knowingly causing serious physical injury to Mark Riley by shooting him, Unlawful Use of a Weapon by discharging a weapon while Intoxicated, and Armed Criminal Action.

According to information provided by Belcher’s attorney, Christopher Swatosh, of Ava, Mo., his client, Craig Belcher, had been separated from his wife for approximately four weeks when the shooting incident occurred. Swatosh said that his client had taken possession of a marital pet, a shih tzu dog named “Johnny,” earlier in the evening on August 6, 2011, and had later called his then wife Caitlyn Riley Belcher to let her know “Johnny” was alright and that he would return the dog the following day, August 7, 2011.

Swatosh said that Caitlyn became distraught and went to her parent’s home to request help in getting “Johnny.” Craig and Caitlyn Belcher did not have and do not have children, but at trial, according to Belcher’s attorney, each side testified that the dog was treated like a “baby.” Swatosh went on to say that his client resisted returning the dog because it was late, but later agreed to return the dog to the marital residence where he and Caitlyn had lived at 8970 County Road 7590, Pottersville, Mo.

When Belcher arrived at the “marital” home, Swatosh said that Mark Riley, Caitlyn’s father, brought a .30 caliber carbon rifle, an 870 Remington shotgun, a baseball bat and a “stun gun.”

According to Swatosh, his client delivered “Johnny” to his wife, who was sitting in the passenger seat of the Riley Tahoe, and when he walked away from the vehicle, Mark Riley jumped out of the Tahoe and fired two shots in the direction of his client, who, according to Swatosh, was approximately 25 feet from the Riley vehicle and in the direct lights of the Tahoe.

“My client was fired at after Riley had him in his sights like a deer in headlights; there was nowhere for Craig to go; he was a sitting duck and if he turned and ran, he was worried he would take a bullet in the back; my client thought he was going to die; he returned one gun shot from his pistol, hoping that the gun fire would cease and instead, Mark Riley returned fire, which caused Belcher to continue shooting,” said Swatosh.

Swatosh said that his client was acting in self-defense, to protect his life, and that it’s “what any normal person would do when threatened with a life or death situation.” “My client’s ‘fight or flight’ instincts took over, and if he could have taken cover, he would have, but Riley waited for his son-in-law to get approximately 25 feet from the vehicle before ambushing him, leaving Belcher with no other option but to defend his life with his pistol,” added Swatosh.

Swatosh said that the jury deliberated for less than an hour and said he was proud of the Shannon County jury who used “common sense” in delivering a quick verdict after such a lengthy trial, and that the “jury obviously understood that self-defense, regardless of whether someone, in their own home, had something to drink, precludes prosecuting a person for defending their life.”

“My client didn’t want to make a dog exchange at one in the morning,” said Swatosh, “and he called his estranged wife numerous times requesting that he be allowed to return the dog the following day.” Swatosh said there was undisputed evidence that the Riley’s demanded the dog be returned at such a late hour.

Swatosh said the Howell County team of prosecutors asked the jury to consider convicting his client of 2^nd Degree Assault in lieu of 1^st degree Assault, as well as Unlawful use of a Weapon and Armed Criminal Action. Swatosh said his client was gratified and thankful that the jury found him not guilty on all of the charges, and thanked them for their service. Swatosh said his client took the stand and testified in his own defense on Friday afternoon before the trial finally concluded.

Swatosh said, “the jury rejected all of the State’s theories, and decided, rightfully, that self-defense granted his client absolute immunity; I’m proud of our country’s justice system, and in our State’s self-defense law and particularly proud of Shannon County. The Second Amendment is alive and well in Missouri!”

A Sparta man was taken into custody Sunday in the Ongo area of western Douglas County following a pursuit by Douglas County officers.
Sheriff Chris Degase said Daren Allen, 26, was turned over to Christian County on their warrants, and also faces pending charges in Douglas County.
On Sunday, Feb. 22, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Department was contacted by Conservation Agent Mark Henry who had received a call from a property owner.  While feeding cattle in the vicinity of County Road 519 the landowner located a truck parked behind Ritter Cemetery quite a distance from the roadway. He believed the abandoned truck might belong to poachers.
The Sheriff’s Office was provided with license plate information that indicated the truck was stolen out of Nixa.
Agent Henry picked up Corporal Nathan Long, of the Sheriff’s Dept., on the way to CR 519.    However, as the officers arrived at the location where the vehicle was previously seen, Agent Henry received a call from the property owner stating the vehicle had just pulled into McDonald’s in Ava.
Ava Police Department was immediately notified and responded to the area.  As Agent Henry and Cpl. Long returned to town they were advised that the vehicle was now headed west on Highway 14 from Ava.
At this time Christian County and the Missouri State Highway Patrol also got involved in the incident.
A Christian County car advised the officers that they were now in pursuit of the vehicle on CR 551 off of UU Highway in the Ongo area.
During this time the pursued vehicle hit a gate as it attempted to navigate its way into a driveway.  Agent Henry and Corporal Long met a Christian County deputy  at the driveway where they removed the damaged gate from the roadway and proceeded into the property to pursue the vehicle.
As the officers entered the private driveway, they met the vehicle in question coming at them. The driver of the stolen vehicle then backed up into a field and attempted to turn around where it became stuck. Cpl. Long exited Agent Henry’s vehicle and ran to the vehicle on foot.  The truck was freed and once again began driving across the field, with Corporal Long in pursuit on foot for about 40 yards before the vehicle became stuck once more.
The suspect was apprehended at that time and transported to Christian County on their warrants.
Douglas County also placed a hold on the subject for further charges here.

A total of 24 individuals are charged this week in a sting operation that was concluded on Wednesday, Feb. 25, in Douglas County.
Sheriff Chris Degase said the arrests resulted from nearly a year-long operation by the sheriff’s department, the South Central Drug Task Force, and numerous other agencies.
Forty-one officers from sheriff’s departments in Douglas, Ozark, Wright, Webster, Stone, Howell, and Greene counties were involved, along with the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Drug Task Force, Seymour and Hartville police departments, and Cox Ambulance.
Following are the names of those arrested, a discription of the charges, and the arresting agency or where the charge originated.
Photos of those arrested can be seen elsewhere in this newspaper.
Steven Bennett, 25, Seymour, trafficking in drugs in the 2nd degree, Douglas County; dangerous drugs, Webster County.
Dalisa Clanton, 34, Ava, possession of controlled substance except 35 grams or less of marijuana, Douglas County.
Ransome Degase, 25, Ava, possession of controlled substance except 35 grams, Douglas County.
Cody Gast, 23, Ava, possession of controlled substance except 35 grams or less of marijuana, Douglas County.
Brad (BJ) Henry, 34, Douglas County, tampering with motor vehicle 1st degree, Douglas County.
Cody Ingram, 24, Ava, possession of controlled substance except 35 grams or less of marijuana, unlawful use of drug paraphernalia, Douglas County.
Cassondra Lamb, 38, Ava, trafficking in drugs in the 2nd degree, Douglas County.
Jared Lambert, 21, Ava, possession of controlled substance except 45 grams or less of marijuana, Douglas County.
Jerry Miller, 29, Ava, distribute, deliver, manufacture, produce, or attempt to possess with intent to distribute, deliver, manufacture, produce a controlled substance, tampering with motor vehicle 1st degree, unlawful use of weapon-exhibiting, Douglas County.
Cassie Mincks, 26, Mansfield, tampering with motor vehicle 1st degree, Douglas County.
Landon Newton, 34, Wright County, three counts of distribute, deliver, manufacture, produce or attempt to or possess with intent to distribute deliver, manufacture, produce a controlled substance, Task Force.
Michael Nokes, 33, Ava, Taney County warrant failure to appear, unlawful use of firearm; Greene County warrant, tampering with motor vehicle 1st degree.
Angel Perry, 18, Ava, possession of controlled substance except 35 grams or less of marijuana, Douglas County; failure to appear proof of insurance, Ava Police Dept., two non-moving traffic violations, Sparta Police Dept.
RJ Sartin, 36, Seymour, possession of controlled substance except 35 grams oor less of marijuana, Douglas County.
Levi Thornsberry, 27, Squires, possessionof controlled substance except 35 grams or less of marijuana, Douglas County.
Barbara Tinsley, 57, Mansfield, two counts of distribution of controlled substance, Task Force.
Gary Welch, 63, Ava, distribute, deliver, manufacture, produce or atttempt to or possess with intent to distribute, deliver, manufacture, produce a controlled substance, Task Force.
Matthew Wells, 30, Ava, distributing or delivering not more than 5 grams of marijuana, delivery or manufacture of imitation controlled substance, Task Force.
Shanda Williams, 30, Ava, distributing or delivering not more than 5 grams marijuana, delivery or manufacture of imitation controlled substance, Task Force.
Charles Yost, 48, Ava, possession of controlled substance except 35 grams or less of marijuana, possession oof up to 35 grams of marijuana, two counts of unlawful use of drug paraphernalia, Douglas County search warrant.
Lloyd Yost, 45, Ava, possession of controlled substance except 35 grams or less of marijuana, Douglas County.
Stuart Yost, 26, Seymour, burglary 2nd degree, two counts of staling a motor vehicle, Douglas County.
Tamara Yost, 20, Ava, possession of controlled substance except 35 grams or less of marijuana, Douglas County.
Tammy Yost, possession of controlled substance except 35 grams oor less of marijuana, possession of up to 35 grams of marijuana, two counts of unlawful use of drug paraphernalia, Douglas County search warrant.

During the week of Feb. 23 through March 1, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office answered 106 Calls for Service, arrested and booked 27 into the Douglas County Jail.
On Wednesday, Feb. 25, after an almost year-long operation conducted by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and the South Central Drug Task Force (SCDTF), numerous subjects were arrested on multiple drug and stealing cases.
There were a total of 41 officers from the following agencies that participated in the round-up: Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Ozark County Sheriff’s Office, Wright County Sheriff’s Office, Webster County Sheriff’s Office, Stone County Sheriff’s Office, Howell County Sheriff’s Office, Greene County Sheriff’s Office, Missouri State Highway Patrol, SCDTF, Seymour Police Department, Hartville Police Department, and Cox Ambulance.
All of these crimes were committed in Douglas County and all of the warrants were issued out of the Douglas County Circuit Court. A huge thank you to Prosecutor Chris Wade and his staff, Judge Elizabeth Bock, Judge Craig Carter, Circuit Clerk Kim Hathcock and her staff, Douglas County Assessor Alicia Degase and staff, Probation and Parole, and a huge thank you to my staff that has put in long hours not only today, but over the last year to make this possible. This was a team effort by all.
The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the public for their patience during the episode of winter weather that we have had and may have in the future.  During hazardous weather conditions where it is not safe to be out on the roads the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office will operate on emergency status only.  At this time we will take all information on all calls that come to the office; however, unless the call is a true emergency we will wait until the weather and road conditions clear before responding.
The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office is currently looking for Curtis Cloud, DOB: 5/16/1984, Robyn Cole, DOB: 4/17/1973, and Cassey Dobbs, DOB: 3/17/1980, for outstanding warrants. We appreciate those that have called and provided information on those fugitives that were arrested this week. Currently there are 26 inmates in custody in the Douglas County Jail.
A friendly reminder for those with CCW Permits:  Please check the renewal dates on your CCW card.  Those that received their card from the License Bureau will need to check the upper right corner of their card for the expiration date.  The date of the CCW expiration and the expiration of the ID card doesn’t always match. All CCW applications require an appointment that can be set for you by phone, and CCW renewals can be done at any time.
If you have any questions about CCW’s or their renewal please call us here at the office.
If you have information regarding a crime or any information on the locations of the above listed subjects you are encouraged to contact the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office at 417-683-1020.
Sheriff Chris Degase

On the evening of Feb. 26, at approximately 10:15 p.m. the Texas County Sheriff’s Department requested assistance with a disturbance involving a weapon at a residence in Tyrone, Mo. A juvenile female caller indicated she was in the residence and apparently heard gun shots.  She immediately fled to a neighbor’s house to notify authorities.  Responding deputies found two deceased persons at this residence. Further investigation revealed five additional victims who were deceased and one additional victim who was wounded in three additional residences.  All three residences were in Tyrone.
Another residence revealed the body of a deceased elderly female who appeared to have died from natural causes. The apparent suspect, a 36-year-old male from Tyrone, was found dead in a vehicle at a location in Shannon County from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. There are a total of nine deceased individuals, including the elderly female and the suspect. The injured victim was taken to a nearby hospital.
The investigation is continuing by the Texas County Sheriff’s Department and the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control.  Any information the public might have regarding this case can be forwarded to the Texas County Sheriff’s Department at 417-967-4165 or the Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop G Headquarters at 417-469-3121.
A news conference was held at 9 a.m., Friday, Feb. 27, at the Texas County Justice Center, 519 N. Grand Ave., Suite 102, Houston, MO 65483. Representatives of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Texas County Sheriff’s Department, and area law enforcement agencies were present to address the multiple homicides in Texas County.

During Circuit Law Day on May 5, four defendants were sentenced to the Missouri Department of Corrections, according to information released this week by the office of Prosecuting Attorney Chris Wade.
Gregory A. Teague, 27, of Springfield, was sentenced to four years in the Department of Corrections for burglary, 2nd degree, and four years for tampering with a motor vehicle, 1st degree. The incidents occurred between Aug. 2 and Aug. 3, 2014.
Both cases were investigated by the Ava Police Department.
Sarah E. Walker, 27, Seymour, was sentenced to two years in the Department of Corrections for unlawful possession of a firearm. the offense occurred on Dec. 10, 2014, and was investigated by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Department.
On May 4, the probation of Brandon W. Williams, 27, Ava, was ordered revoked and he was sentenced to three years in the Department of Corrections. Williams was on probation for statutory sodomy, 2nd degree. The original incident occurred March 15, 2009, and the case was investigated by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Department.
On April 29, Cody R. Ingram, 25, Ava, was sentenced to five years in the Department of Corrections for possession of a controlled substance. The offense occurred on Nov. 30, 2014, and the case was investigated by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Department.

The office of Douglas County Prosecuting Attorney Chris Wade announced this week that two men, both from Mansfield, were sentenced to prison terms at Douglas County Circuit Law Day on June 2.
Kevin E. Newby, 38, of Mansfield, was sentenced to four years in the Department of Corrections for resisting arrest and tampering in the first degree.
These incidents occurred in March 2015 and June 2014. Both cases were investigated by the sheriff’s department.
The probation of John W. Milford, 53, Mansfield, was ordered revoked and he was sentenced to four years in the Department of Corrections. Milford was on probation for stealing.
The original incident occurred March 18, 2012, and the case was investigated by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Department.
You can keep up to date with the criminal court process on Facebook at Douglas County Prosecuting Attorney.

The Douglas County Circuit Court criminal law day was held Tuesday, July 7. Two defendants were sentenced to the Department of Corrections, according to the office of Prosecuting Attorney Christopher Wade.

Tyler J. Brown, 25, Springfield, was sentenced to two years in prison for resisting arrest. These charges stem from a Nov. 22, 2014 vehicle pursuit in which a vehicle being operated by Brown failed to stop and fled from the Ava Police Department.

Jennifer D. Johnson, 46, Ava, was sentenced to two years in prison for possession of a controlled substance. These charges stem from a June 14, 2014 case which was investigated by the Ava Police Department.