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Camden County 1st District Commissioner James Gohagan Reacts To HR Recommendations

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One of three Camden County Commissioners is reacting to recommendations made by an independent HR firm after an altercation in January.

“I don’t agree with the findings” says First District Commissioner James Gohagan, “the audio alone has the public outraged! You can hear what happened on that audio…it was definitely contentious…it was definitely inappropriate.”

He tells KRMS News an attorney with the firm told him it seemed likely other people were involved in the staging of the argument, but it’s unclear who that was “here’s what she said to me…quote “If we didn’t have any other players, I think it would be stronger. If it was just those two acting a lone, nobody else got involved…I think were I see kinda a balancing act, that there were others that facilitate, or failed to deescalate, or some combination of both.”” 

Gohagan says he has filed charges against two county workers, both of which have been on paid leave since January.

This is a developing story and we’ll pass along more details as they become available here on KRMS.

Below is a copy of a press release sent out by Camden County Presiding Commissioner Greg Hasty and 2nd District Commissioner Don Williams.

 

Camden County Commission

Press Release

The results of the independent investigation by Jackson Lewis P.C. regarding the January 7, argument that took place between maintenance employees and 1st District Commissioner James Gohagan, were presented to the Camden County Commission on Monday, April 26, 2021, by Camden County Human Resources.

The firm of Jackson Lewis P.C. is an independent professional firm specializing in Human Resources investigations. and were contracted by Camden County through the sealed bid process.  They collected evidence and interviewed everyone involved.

As usual, the reality of situation is far from the fabrications created on Facebook. This situation was triggered by social media posts from a small group of individuals, for political purposes. These Facebook posts are not based in truth. The truth is, no one was surrounded by ten maintenance employees (there are only five maintenance employees and only two were involved in the argument), no one was ever being “held hostage”, there was no physical assault, there was no conspiracy, and no crimes were committed.  It was merely a disagreement.

In closed session, the recommendation of Jackson Lewis P.C. was discussed and was for a 5-day suspension, without pay for the two maintenance employees involved, and for conflict resolution training for the members of the commission.  Commissioner Gohagan revealed that he had already spoken with Jackson Lewis P.C., and that he therefore had prior knowledge of their findings.  He then refused to undergo any training.  He left the meeting, breaking a door in the process, cursing, and was not present for any votes.

Commissioner Don Williams made a motion to accept the recommendations of the independent investigation. Presiding Commissioner Greg Hasty Seconded the motion. The vote among the remaining commissioners was unanimous in favor of accepting the recommendations of Jackson Lewis P.C.

Commissioner Williams made a motion to authorize the HR Administrator to set up the Commission training regarding conflict resolution and to invite all elected officials to participate if they wish. Presiding Commissioner Hasty seconded the motion. Commissioner Gohagen was not present for this vote. The motion then passed by unanimous vote of the remaining members of the commission.

Much has been stated on social media regarding this incident without any knowledge of ALL of the facts. The independent professional firm doing this investigation are experts in their field. They had access to ALL of the facts, and the testimony of everyone involved. This investigation was professionally done, in accordance with state and federal law. The commission has accepted their findings, and will implement their recommendations.

The employees involved are aware of the results and recommendations, and are reviewing their legal options.

We are hoping this matter can now be put behind us and we can move forward serving the citizens of Camden County in a positive manner.

Eight New Names Etched Onto Missouri Law Enforcement Wall Of Honor

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There are now eight new names on the Missouri Law Enforcement Wall of Honor.

“This year we’re adding the names from last year, and seven historical names” says Mike O’Connell with the Missouri Department of Public Safety, “the founders of this decided we wanted to have a state memorial, to all of those who risk their lives on a daily basis…and ultimately suffered the ultimate consequences of their service.”

He tells KRMS News one of those names added to the wall Saturday was Lebanon police officer Kendle Blackburn, who died of COVID-19 in December.

The ceremony took place on the grounds of the state Capitol.

Missouri Lieutenant Governor Mike Kehoe and Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt were both speakers at the event.

 

***Press Release***

At annual ceremony, Missouri law enforcement community honors state’s officers who made ultimate sacrifice
Names of 8 officers who died in the line of duty in 2020 were added to Law Enforcement Memorial, along with 7 recently confirmed historical deaths

JEFFERSON CITY – Six Missouri law enforcement officers and two corrections officers who died in the line of duty in between in 2020 were honored today during Missouri’s annual Law Enforcement Memorial Service for those who have paid the ultimate price for their service protecting their fellow Missourians.

Officers, their families and friends from across the state gathered as the service returned to the Missouri Law Enforcement Memorial on the grounds to the state Capitol, after being held virtually last year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

In addition to the officers who died in 2020, the names of seven law enforcement officers whose historical line of duty deaths were recently confirmed were also added to the memorial’s Wall of Honor.

Missouri Lieutenant Governor Mike Kehoe and Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt each delivered remarks at the memorial service.

“The names on this wall were husbands and wives, mothers and fathers, sisters and brothers, aunts and uncles, and sons and daughters,” said Lieutenant Governor Mike Kehoe. “Today, we remember them. Today, we offer condolences for those for whom the grief of loss is still very raw and real. Today, we etch their names into this monument to ensure their sacrifice is never forgotten. Today, we see an earthly example of the promise of Scripture in the book of John, 15:13: ‘that no greater love hath any man than this, that he lay down his life for a friend.’”

“The brave men and women of law enforcement wake up each morning, put on their uniform, and say goodbye to their family and loved ones, not knowing if they’ll return at the end of the day,” From Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt said. “Law enforcement officers face unknown risks and danger every day, and sometimes, tragically, make the ultimate sacrifice in their commitment to keeping the communities they love safe. It’s imperative that we continue to honor and remember that sacrifice.”

Each year, the families of law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty the previous year, and through the decades, participate in the ceremony by placing white carnations in a wreath in honor of Missouri’s fallen heroes.

On Friday, April 30, a candlelight vigil was held at the memorial in remembrance of all Missouri law enforcement officers who made the ultimate sacrifice. Governor Mike Parson ordered that the Capitol dome and Law Enforcement Memorial to be lighted blue on Friday night in honor of fallen law enforcement officers.

The following law enforcement officer’s names were added to the memorial wall this year:

Christopher Ryan Walsh
End of Watch: March 16, 2020
Rank: Officer
Department: Springfield Police Department
Cause: Gunshot
Age: 32
Years of Service: 3 years, 6 months

On March 16, 2020, Officer Christopher Walsh was shot and killed when he and another officer confronted an active shooter at a convenience store.

Andy Deric Clark
End of Watch: June 3, 2020
Rank: Sheriff
Department: DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office
Cause: Vehicle Crash
Age: 43
Years of Service: 22 years

Sheriff Andy Clark was killed in a vehicle crash near Osborn, Mo. while responding to assist a deputy in an emergency situation.

Tamarris L. Bohannon
End of Watch: Aug. 30, 2020
Rank: Officer
Department: St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department
Cause: Gunshot
Age: 29
Years of Service: 3 years, 6 months

Police Officer Tamarris Bohannon passed away on Aug. 30, 2020 after succumbing to a gunshot wound he suffered the night before when he and another officer were ambushed as they responded to a shooting call in the Tower Grove South neighborhood.

Rick A. Groves
End of Watch: Oct. 16, 2020
Rank: Assistant Chief
Department: Kennett Police Department
Cause: COVID-19
Age: 69
Years of Service: 38 years

Assistant Chief Rick Groves passed away after contracting COVID-19 as a result of his law enforcement service to the Kennett Police Department.

Richard Allen Wright
End of Watch: Nov. 19, 2020
Rank: Corrections Officer
Department: Missouri Department of Corrections
Cause: COVID-19
Age: 61
Years of Service: 15 years

Corrections Officer Richard Wright died on Nov. 19, 2020 after contracting COVID-19 as a result of his service as a corrections officer. He served at the Women’s Eastern Reception, Diagnostic and Correctional Center in Vandalia.

Dwight Eugene Willis
End of Watch: Nov. 22, 2020
Rank: Detention Officer
Department: Greene County Sheriff’s Office
Cause: COVID-19
Age: 56
Years of Service: 19 years

Detention Officer Dwight Willis passed away on Nov. 22, 2020 after contracting COVID-19 as a result of his service as a detention officer.

Herschel Turner Jr.
End of Watch: Dec. 5, 2020
Rank: Sergeant
Department: Moline Acres Police Department
Cause: Vehicle Crash
Age: 54
Years of Service: 22 Years

On Dec. 5, 2020, Sergeant Herschel Turner and a Bellefontaine Neighbors Police Department officer had stopped a stolen vehicle. Sergeant Turner was fatally struck by the vehicle of another officer arriving at the scene to provide assistance that swerved to avoid striking a vehicle and unintentionally struck Sergeant Turner.

Kendle Glen Blackburn
End of Watch: Dec. 28, 2020
Rank: Patrolman
Department: Lebanon Police Department
Cause: COVID-19
Age: 55
Years of Service: 21 Years

On Dec. 28, 2020, Lebanon Patrolman Kendle Blackburn died after contracting COVID-19 as a result of his law enforcement service.

Recently Confirmed Historical Line-of-Duty Deaths

Albert Kopf
End of Watch: Sept. 3, 1907
Rank: Marshal
Department: City of Pacific
Cause: Gunshot
Age: 32

City Marshal Albert Kopf, who had only been serving as acting city marshal for just 10 days, was fatally shot in the chest by a homeless man after responding to a call from a woman about a disturbance at the woman’s home. He managed to return fire and struck his assailant with one shot. Marshal Kopf succumbed to his wound three days later, on Sept. 3, 1907.

John W. Burns
End of Watch: April 21, 1922
Rank: Marshal
Department: City of Lathrop
Cause: Gunshot
Age: 55
Years of Service: 9 years

City Marshal John W. Burns was fatally shot on April 21, 1922 in a gun battle with five men who had attempted to rob him at gunpoint as he performed his duties.

William E. Griffin
End of Watch: June 10, 1923
Rank: Patrolman
Department: St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department
Cause: Gunshot
Age: 24
Years of Service: 4 years

Patrolman William E. Griffin was shot several times and killed on June 10, 1923 after responding to an armed robbery at the Telegraph Inn, which was located in St. Louis County.

David W. Waymire
End of Watch: March 13, 1927
Rank: Marshal
Department: City of Crane
Cause: Gunshot
Age: 62

Marshal David W. Waymire was shot as he attempted to arrest a man wanted for automobile theft two miles west of Crane. He died as a result of his wounds days later, on March 13, 1927.

S. Dent Owen
End of Watch: Jan. 3, 1929
Rank: Marshal
Department: Monroe City
Cause: Vehicle Accident
Age: 37

On Jan. 3, 1929, Marshal S. Dent Owen died from injuries he sustained in a head-on collision on Highway 36 while driving a vehicle that had been stolen and that he had recovered during an investigation.

James E. Tines
End of Watch: Sept. 9, 1933
Rank: Special Agent
Department: St. Louis – San Francisco Railway Police
Cause: Gunshot
Age: 50

On Sept. 9, 1933, Special Agent James E. Tines was fatally shot three times after being targeted by two armed robbers while he was on duty near Springfield.

Herman E. Weirich
End of Watch: Feb. 12, 1946
Rank: Marshal
Department: City of Sullivan
Cause: Car Accident
Age: 59
Years of Service: 20 years

On Feb. 12, 1946, City of Sullivan Marshal Herman E. Weirich died, four days after the vehicle he was traveling in while on duty was struck by a train.

Former Youth Director At FLW Pleads Guilty To Child Sexual Abuse On Base

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A former Youth Director at Fort Leonard Wood is pleading guilty to sexually abusing four children over several years at the base.

The Army National Guard officer, 42-year-old David McKay of Waynesville, entered his plea before a US judge earlier this week.

He worked as the youth ministry director for the Religious Services office and officials say his victims ranged from 11 to 17 years old between 2010 and 2017.

The testimony submitted indicated the abuse took place at the base, as well as other locations in Pulaski County and on a Ski trip to Colorado.

Under federal statutes, McKay faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in federal prison without parole, and up to a sentence of life in federal prison without parole.

 

***Press Release***

Former Youth Director at Fort Leonard Wood Pleads Guilty to Child Sexual Abuse

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – An Army National Guard officer pleaded guilty in federal court today to sexually abusing four minors over several years while he was director of the youth ministry at Fort Leonard Wood U.S. Army Base.

David J. McKay, 42, of Waynesville, Missouri, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge David P. Rush to one count of transporting a minor to engage in criminal sexual activity and four counts of sexually abusing a minor.

McKay, an Army National Guard Major Sergeant, was the youth ministry director for the Religious Services Office at Fort Leonard Wood. By pleading guilty today, McKay admitted that he sexually abused four victims, ranging in age from 11 to 17 years old, on dozens of occasions from 2010 to 2017.

According to today’s plea agreement, the sexual abuse occurred at Fort Leonard Wood and various other locations within Pulaski County, Mo. The victims also reported being abused during the youth group’s ski trips to Colorado and on camping trips at Fort Leonard Wood.

Under federal statutes, McKay is subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in federal prison without parole, up to a sentence of life in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ami Harshad Miller. It was investigated by the FBI, the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command at the Fort Leonard Wood Army Base, the Pulaski County, Mo., Prosecutor’s Office, and the Waynesville, Mo., Police Department.

Project Safe Childhood

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”

Multi-County Drug Bust Takes Down 500 Grams Of Meth With 9 People Arrested

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A massive drug take-down has taken place in Benton and Morgan Counties.

According to the Benton County Sheriff’s office, 4 different organizations worked this multi-county take-down, which resulted in 9 arrests.

Officials say over 500 grams of Methamphetamine, 15 illegal firearms and numerous prescription narcotics were sized in the raids.

You can see the full arrest list below:

Lawyer Representing Lake Attorney Meagan Howe Responds To Court Ruling

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The lawyer representing Lake Area Attorney Meagan Howe is responding to the Missouri Supreme Court’s decision, to place an interim suspension on her license.

St. Louis Attorney Michael Downey says they are disappointed that they were not given a chance to answer questions raised by the Office of Chief Disciplinary Counsel in the courtroom, before the decision was reached.

Downey states Howe suffers from a recent diagnosis of ADHD and PTSD, following an attempted burglary at her home.

He also says Howe is denying most of the allegations against her, including the allegation that she suffers from alcohol addiction.

You can read the full letter below:

 

***Letter from Attorney***

My law firm and I represent Meagan Howe in the current Supreme Court proceeding. Meagan Howe has represented many of your listeners — her neighbors — for many years. Meagan has many current clients and former clients that are very happy with her services.

Prior to when an order for interim suspension was filed on Monday April 26th, Meagan was seeking only a hearing where she could present her evidence and an impartial panel to hear that evidence. We anticipated that, if Meagan could tell her side of the story, she would be able to continue practicing as a lawyer. Unfortunately, with the Court’s order this week, Meagan has not been permitted to present evidence to a body that is able to evaluate Meagan’s evidence countering the allegations.

We ask that you and your readers remember that an order of interim suspension is not a finding of guilt for any allegations of professional misconduct, but rather a finding of probable cause of potential misconduct sufficient for an interim suspension pending further proceedings.

Therefore, the allegations against Ms. Howe are just that, allegations. Meagan strongly disagrees with the vast majority of the accusations, and has submitted documents that disprove many of the claims against her. This includes that the Missouri Lawyers Assistance Program performed an assessment on Meagan and found she had no problems with alcohol use or abuse.

Furthermore, your readers should understand that the Office of Chief Disciplinary Counsel did not have final answers from Meagan regarding the complaints made within one week of each during August of 2020, before Disciplinary Counsel requested requested an Interim Suspension. Meagan was delayed in filing those responses because she had been the victim of a traumatic home burglary that occurred around the time her responses were due. The burglary led to Meagan to seek help. She was diagnosed with  ADHD as well as PTSD, and began taking medication for those conditions. Meagan’s diagnoses were raised in her answer to the court only to explain her delay in responding to the complaints, not for any other reason.

Last year was a very tough year for Meagan. Like many parents, Meagan had to deal with an abrupt closure of her daughter’s childcare due to the COVID pandemic. This disrupted Meagan’s ability to work or her clients, and also to respond to the Disciplinary Counsel’s letters. Meagan does not claim to be perfect. She realizes that she became disorganized and behind in some aspects of her practice, including in responding to the Disciplinary Counsel. However, Meagan and I both believe Meagan has not caused any significant harm to any client, and that the vast majority of her clients have been satisfied with Meagan’s work and the representation they received.

Michael Downey
Downey Law Group LLC

Camden County Workers To Get 5 Days Off Without Pay Following Altercation 3 Months Ago

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Two Camden County Workers involved in an argument with newly elected First District Commissioner James Gohagan will be keeping their jobs.

At a Closed Session meeting on Monday, the County Commission heard the findings of the independent H.R. firm Jackson Lewis PC.

The county says, in a release, the firm found fault on both sides of the argument.

The firms recommending that County employees Melvin Miller and Dean Duran get five days off work with no pay for their role in the argument January 7th.

The two employees have been on paid leave since then.

County Commissioners Greg Hasty and Don Williams voted to accept the recommendations.

Commissioner Gohagan declined to vote on whether or not to accept the recommendations.

Police On The Hunt For Missing Fulton Woman Who Disappeared April 21st

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Police in Fulton are asking for your help in finding a woman missing since April 21st.

Investigators say 25-year-old Tori Taylor borrowed a car from a friend who lives in Fulton, but she was supposed to return the car the next day and she has not done that.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol says Taylor is not responding to phone calls or texts and she’s not active on social media.

Tori Taylor is a white female with brown hair and green eyes. She’s 5-2 and weighs around a hundred pounds.

 

***Additional Info***

Taylor, Tori - Flyer

Lake Attorney Meagan Howe Has License Suspended By Supreme Court

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A Lake Area Attorney has officially had her license suspended by the Missouri Supreme Court and the Office of Disciplinary Chief Counsel.

According to a statement from the court, the judges found probable cause to enact the interim suspension of the license to practice law for Meagan Howe, following an investigation into fraud and negligence.

Howe practices law in Lebanon and Camdenton.

She’s also having to pay for all court costs related to the judgement.

The office of Chief Disciplinary Counsel filed the suit earlier this week, indicating that Howe should be suspended based on findings of mishandling of money, fraud and because she may be suffering from alcohol addiction and would not be giving her clients proper representation.

One Of Two Women Arrested In Drug Bust Now Identified

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We’re now learning the name of one of two Lebanon women arrested during a drug bust.

“The individual that was charged in this investigation is Ashley Rowden, the 37-year-old female from Lebanon, she’s facing charges of two counts of delivery of a controlled substance” says Sergeant Kacie Springer with Lebanon PD, “If you are using illegal narcotics within the city of Lebanon, or Laclede county….you’re bound to get caught.”

She tells KRMS News the arrest happened after numerous agencies served a search warrant for a home on Ivey Lane and that Rowden was a passenger in a car that was leaving as police were showing up “that vehicle was subsequently searched, as well as the residence in conjunction with the search warrant issued for this bust.”

Sergeant Springer also says a 20-year-old Lebanon woman was also arrested after the search, but there’s no word on charges she might be facing.

Investigators say the searched turned up around a quarter-pound of meth, pills, pot, and drug paraphernalia.

State Senators Are Looking At Bills Related To The 2nd Amendment

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black semi automatic pistol on black textile

Photo by Thomas Def on Unsplash

State Senators in Jeff City are talking about the Second Amendment to the U-S Constitution.

Senator Eric Burlison of Battlefield brought Senate Bill 39 to the floor of the Missouri Senate, his proposal would create the Second Amendment Preservation Act “Governments too often turn to tyranny and they attack individual rights, when their Governments grow to large. This results in the loss of individual rights and lives.”

Supporters say their idea comes because of executive actions from Washington, D.C.

Senator Karla May of St. Louis mentions she does not see the need for this legislation “I think that we take an unrealistic look to the 2nd Amendment. And I really think this is a solution, in search of a problem.”

Senate Bill 39 has been laid over for future consideration.

Next up for lawmakers will be the operating budget for Missouri’s next fiscal year. By law, the budget has to be complete by 6 p.m. on Friday, May 7. Fiscal Year 2022 will start on July 1.

Man Facing Charges For Attempting To Hurt Mother’s Boyfriend Using Peanuts

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A St. Joseph man is facing charges after police say he admitted to trying to hurt his mother’s boyfriend with peanuts.

“The victim in this case has a severe peanut allergy” says Camden County Prosecutor Caleb Cunningham, “the defendant hid peanuts in a coffee can, laundry soap and an underwear drawer…with the intention of that victim coming into contact and having a reaction to those peanuts.”

Cunningham tells KRMS News 27-year-old Jacob Andes admitted to putting the peanuts in those places, and he says Andes told investigators he likes to solve problems by hurting people “my office is setting the charge for assault in the first degree, essentially the defendant attempted to cause a serious physical injuries to the reporting party, by planting those peanuts in several locations knowing the party would come in contact with it and had a severe peanut allergy. Because of those situations, we have requested no bond.”

Andes had been arrested earlier this week after police say he kicked in the back door of a neighbor’s house and went inside.

Cunningham also says if Andes is convicted, he’d have to serve at least 85-percent of his sentence, which could be up to 15 years in prison.

Andes Press Release

Search For Boat Involved In Sunday Crash On Glaize Arm Continues

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An investigation continues after two fishing boats collided on Lake of the Ozarks, and the Missouri State Highway Patrol Water Division says one operator left the scene.

Investigators say it happened at the 1.8 mile marker of the Glaize Arm Sunday.

Water Patrol Officers say one boat tried to overtake another boat, but ran into the stern of the lead vessel and took off.

The Patrol says one man in the lead boat had minor injuries.

The boat that left the scene is described as a Stratus Fishing boat, but there are no other details about the boat, or who the owner or operator of the boat may be at this time.

Two Women Face Charges In Laclede County Drug Bust

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A drug bust in Laclede County has two women facing charges.

Police in Lebanon say the Laclede County Sheriff’s Office, Missouri State Highway Patrol and the Lake Area Narcotics Enforcement Group were involved in the search of a home on Ivey Lane.

Investigators say the search turned up about a quarter pound of methamphetamine, numerous prescription pills, marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

The two women were taken to the Laclede County Jail pending charges from the county prosecutor.

The names of the two women are being withheld as the investigation continues.

4.27.2021 Media Release-Drug arrest

Residents And Tourists Have Differing Opinions On Law Enforcement

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group of police in the middle of the road

Photo by AJ Colores on Unsplash

Ozarks This Morning host Guy Wehman’s asking residents and visitors of Lake of the Ozarks their thoughts on the importance of law enforcement during this week’s ‘Sidewalk Chats.’

Wehman started with locals.

“We can’t live without them, that’s for sure. Law enforcement was made for a reason…to enforce the law and help keep us safe!” says one local. Another says “They’re extremely important to us, I think that there’s a lot people in the community that believe in it and they believe in our security.” One local resident says they are the people we depend on the most “We need to support our Troops and our First Responders. THEY are the ones we call when there’s a problem! We need to support them.” Another man says the blame is being placed on the wrong people “We depend on law and order to make things safe for all civilians, but it just seems to me like the scrutiny is being placed on just the Police Officers and not the bad guys.”

But Wehman gets a different take from people visiting the lake area from out-of-state.

“Yeah man, uh, I fully support um, all that Black Lives Matter and all that stuff like that. It’s good what’s going on.” says one visitor. Another tourist says it’s time to take a stand “I don’t know if de-funding the police is the right answer, but I think it’s important to make a movement in some sort of direction, just to show that we are making some sort of effort to help the different Black Lives Matter movement. So I don’t know if de-funding the police is the right answer, but I think we need to make some sort of movement in some sort of direction.”

Locals tell Wehman they think the difference in support is based on location and generation, “I think it’s generational. There’s a lot of separation between generations unfortunately. The young people do not get it, they’re the ones who live in the social media world and they’ve haven’t had to deal with the things that the older generations have had to deal with it.”

Wehman also finds mixed support from people visiting Lake of the Ozarks from states with more COVID restrictions,“If I am a law abiding citizen just minding my business, and they’re arresting people for not wearing a mask and it’s not actually a law….that makes me not supportive of our police, because I expect the police to support the law and the citizens, instead of just enforcing these illegal mandates.”

Some residents are extremely discouraged by what they see and they tell KRMS they fear for the summer at the Lake this season, “It’s gone. It’s gone. It’s going to be chaos soon.”

You can hear the Ozarks This Morning weekdays from 6 to 9 in the morning on News / Talk KRMS.

Show Me ID App Data Shows Over 1,700 Downloads – 900 ID’s Scanned Since Launching

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Workzone Awareness Week continues in Lake of the Ozarks through Friday, and MoDOT’s also working with the Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Control on a new app designed to stop underage drinking.

“This became public on April 1st and anybody can download to their phone, this app, which allows you to verify the authenticity of a driver’s license or any type of a state ID” says Mike O’Connell with the Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Control, “everybody should be concerned, MODOT…the Highway Patrol….Local Law Enforcement, or anybody who drives…anyone who has children or anybody in our society should really be concerned about this. Studies show the most prevalent drug that’s going to lead to death, is Alcohol.”

He tells KRMS News the app was downloaded 17-hundred times and around 900 ID’s around the state had been scanned.

But some people in Missouri are skeptical about giving their ID to a retail clerk so it can be scanned into their phone “it does not store any of the information from that ID.”

O’Connell says his agency has other tools where data is stored for law enforcement purposes.

 

***Additional Info***

The Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Control announces it has partnered with the MoDOT Highway Safety and Traffic Division, to launch a free app to aid retail employees and other users in verifying the authenticity of IDs simply by scanning the ID with the camera on a mobile phone or tablet. The “Show–Me ID” app became available to all Missourians today.

“Underage drinking is a danger to Missouri’s young people and others on the road, and the new Show–Me ID app makes it easier than ever for all those who sell alcohol to verify the authenticity of any state-issued identification to aid in the prevention of alcohol being sold to minors,” said Dottie Taylor, state supervisor of the Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Control. “While this is in no way a replacement for the physical checking of an ID and comparison to the person providing it, it is certainly another powerful tool to aid retail employees. While there are other apps available and none that are fool-proof, this is the best that we have used.”

The app can be found in the Apple App Store and Google Play. Users search for it by typing “Show–Me ID” in their search once they have opened their app store.

Taylor said Show–Me ID automatically signals the user when a scanned ID is fraudulent. The app includes a calendar feature to alert whether the bearer of a legitimate ID is of legal age to purchase alcohol or tobacco products. There is also a guide on the app that reminds the user of the proper steps for checking whether the ID is valid and the prospective purchaser is of legal age. The Show–Me ID app does not store the information from IDs it has scanned.

“Underage drinking is dangerous in and of itself, but coupled with driving it can be deadly,” said Jon Nelson, MoDOT assistant to the state highway safety and traffic engineer. “By preventing underage purchases of alcohol, we can potentially save lives not only of our youth but also other users of Missouri’s roadways.”

Alcohol is the most commonly misused substance among young people in the U.S., according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The agency says excessive drinking is responsible for more than 3,500 deaths among people under age 21 and more than 100,000 emergency room visits by persons aged 12 to 21 for injuries and other conditions linked to alcohol.

Eldon Man Faces Numerous Charges In Lake Ozark Strip Incident

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Photo By Lake Resident Jeremy Anderson On Facebook

An Eldon man is facing charges after reports of gunfire and domestic abuse on the Bagnell Dam Strip in Lake Ozark Friday.

No injuries were reported during the shooting event, but on any other Friday things could have been different “especially with the upcoming weekend, when we have the Magic Dragon Car Show” says Lake Ozark Police Chief Gary Launderville, “so had this occurred this coming Friday, the strip would have been full of people and I’m not sure we would have had the same outcome.”

Launderville tells KRMS News 31-year-old Jared Long was arrested not long after 13 shots were fired from a handgun “he compliant at one minute, at the next minute he wanted to fight. He tried to kick the window out of the back of one of our squad cars and he was spitting in their (the officers) face. A lot of people don’t consider that an assault, but with all the diseases and all the things going on in the world today….sometimes being spit on is much more lethal than a broken arm or a cut or a bruise, or anything else.”

Chief Launderville says no officers were hurt while trying to arrest Long, who was taken to Lake Regional Hospital for evaluation before being taken to the Miller County Jail.

PR - 04-26-21

Man Arrested After Shots Fired On Bagnell Dam Strip Believed To Be Jared Long Of Eldon

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Photo By Lake Resident Jeremy Anderson On Facebook

 

Police in Lake Ozark have yet to release the name of a man arrested Friday afternoon on the Bagnell Dam Strip, but KRMS News has learned his name is Jared Long of Eldon.

An arrest record on Missouri Casenet matches the description of the incident on the strip, with charges filed by LOPD for Long that include unlawful use of a firearm while driving.

LOPD Chief Gary Launderville confirms police were called on a report of shots fired from a moving car, as well as a man in the middle of the street threatening passing cars.

Investigators say they had to fight with that man to get him in hand cuffs.

Police say he fired 12 shots from a handgun while he was riding in a car, but nobody was hit or hurt.

A bond of $250,000 was set and Long will have to wear a GPS tracker if released.

Search For Stolen Truck From Lake Area Business Underway

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The search continues for a stolen Ford Pickup truck that was taken last week from a business in off W in Miller County.

Video posted to the Lake of The Ozarks Happenings Facebook Group shows a man run up to a beige Ford Explorer Sport Trac parked at Ramboldt Excavating shop, then he hops in the driver’s seat and drives away.

The owners say they have video of the unidentified man casing the place just days earlier.

So far there has been no word on the location of the truck or who this man is, but police are asking for anyone with information to come forward.

Lake Area Attorney Faces Suspension Of License – Under Investigation

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A lake area attorney is being accused of Fraud by the Missouri Office of Chief Disciplinary Counsel.

According to court documents, the counsel is looking to revoke the license of Meagan Howe, following the outcome of an investigation into allegations of professional misconduct.

The 39-page document details out numerous complaints from clients, past employees and an audit of Howe’s trust and her current operating accounts.

The counsel is arguing that that the temporary suspension is needed to protect the public, because Howe has allegedly misappropriated client funds and defrauded clients.

Howe, who has offices in both Camdenton and Lebanon, is denying the allegations and her attorneys have since submitted a rebuttal to the request.

She’s being represented by Downey Law Group of St. Louis

This is a developing story and we’ll bring the latest details as soon as they’re available.

Lake Ozark Police Give Update On Shots Fired Near Bagnell Dam Friday

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Photo By Lake Resident Jeremy Anderson On Facebook

More details are coming in after shots were fired on the Bagnell Dam Strip Friday.

According to Police Chief Gary Launderville, Lake Ozark Police were called out to the area near Dam Good Slice around 4PM regarding shots fired at a moving car.

Investigators say a 30-year-old unidentified man was confronted by police upon arrival, and was acting aggressive.

Police later determined that the man had shot several rounds from a hand gun into the grass along the hillside.

That man was taken to Lake Regional for evaluation, then transported to the county jail.

No one was injured.

Shooting on Strip

Caleb Cunningham Officially Set As Camden County Prosecutor

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There is now a permanent prosecutor in Camden County.

Caleb Cunningham’s getting the nod from the office of Governor Mike Parson ,“The Governor makes his decision and makes his appointments, and their team called me and let me know I was fortunate enough to win” says Cunningham, “It’s a complicated process. They have significant background check and a 200 questionnaire that you have to fill out…that they obviously follow up on and investigate you.”

Before Friday, Cunningham had been serving as the interim prosecutor for Camden County since Heather Miller left the position “I’ve been the interim since she vacated. I’ve been acting that way since the end of February, but now that I got the full time appointment, whenever the Governor’s proclamation takes affect, I’ll be the elected prosecutor until the next election.”

The Camden County Prosecutor job opened up when Heather Miller was appointed Associate Circuit Judge for the 26th Judicial Circuit.

Miller moved into that position after the election of Aaron Koeppen to Circuit Judge.

 

***Press Release***

Governor Parson Appoints James Caleb Cunningham as Camden County Prosecuting Attorney 

(JEFFERSON CITY, MO) – Today, Governor Mike Parson appointed James Caleb Cunningham as Camden County Prosecuting Attorney. He will fill the vacancy created by the appointment of Heather Miller to Associate Circuit Judge in the 26th Judicial Circuit.

Mr. Cunningham, of Camdenton, currently serves as an assistant prosecuting attorney for Camden County. He holds a bachelor’s degree in communication and information sciences from the University of Alabama and a Juris Doctor from the University of Alabama School of Law.

Rolla Police Launch Investigation After Car Crash Leads To Drug Bust

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Police in Rolla are investigating after a crash leads to a drug bust.

Police responded to an SUV crash Thursday and investigators say 34-year-old Garrett Wood of Salem appeared to be under the influence of drugs.

Police say they found more than two pounds of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia in the SUV and they also say Wood had outstanding warrants while on probation.

Investigators say Wood hurt his leg in the crash and he was taken to University Hospital in Columbia.

Wood now faces drug trafficking charges.

Accident-Drug Trafficking Arrest

Name Of Man Found Dead In St. James Motel Released – New Charges Filed

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We now know the name of the man found dead inside the Economy Inn motel in St. James.

The Phelps County Sheriff’s office says they identified the man as 36-year-old Donald Coy Wethy Jr of St. James.

Investigators later identified two people as possible suspects in the case, 20-year-old Josue Martinez of Pennsylvania and 29-year-old Kimberly Riston of California, who later picked up while walking along Highway 63.

Both individuals are now facing first degree murder charges and are being held on no bond.

 

***Press Release***

PHELPS COUNTY, MO. – On April 21, 2021, at about 8:06 AM, law enforcement officers responded to the Economy Inn Motel in St. James, Missouri, for what was later determined to be a homicide.
During the initial investigation, law enforcement discovered a white male deceased from apparent knife wounds on the parking lot of the Economy Inn Motel in St. James, Missouri. As a result of the follow-up investigation, the victim was identified as Donald Coy Wethy Jr., age 36, of St. James, Missouri. An autopsy will be completed to determine the exact cause of death. (Next of kin has been notified)
Law enforcement determined Josue Martinez, age 20, of Tamaqua, Pennsylvania, and Kimberly D. Riston, age 29 of Banning, California, were responsible for the death of Mr. Wethy. They were arrested and transported to the Phelps County Sheriff’s Department. Warrants were applied for and received.
On April 22, 2021, warrants were issued on both Martinez and Riston. They were charged with Murder 1st Degree, Armed Criminal Action (2 Counts), Robbery 1st Degree, and Tampering with a Motor Vehicle. Bond was set at NO BOND.
The charges for which Martinez and Riston have been arrested are merely an accusation and are not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charge must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.

ATF Reverses Decision For Camden County – Offers To Help When Needed

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The Sheriff of Camden County is reacting to a conversation he had with the head of the ATF in Kansas City.

It turns out the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms will be helping as needed in Camden County.

“I still think they’re not going to be doing a lot of freelance work anymore” says Sheriff Tony Helms, “but anytime we need them, all we have to do is call them.”

Helms tells KRMS News it’s a reversal of the ATF’s position earlier in April when the federal office announced it would not be working with Counties in Missouri that have passed Second Amendment protection ordinances, of which Camden County is one of them “what the ordinance is, is it’s an affirmation…affirming the 2nd Amendment rights. I don’t think we were looking to change the constitution, we just wanted to make sure we were protected like the constitution says.”

Sheriff Tony Helms says that Fred Winston, the Special Agent in Charge of the ATF in KC, was worried about the ordinance and how it related to other counties in Missouri have passed similar ordinances that says ATF agents could be arrested for being in a given county “most of it went to the Newton County one, where they got a little bit extreme with threatening to arrest these people. Mr. Winston was very kind, pretty much we’re here to help you….if you need us, you call us…that’s what we are here for.”

Helms believes there appears to be path forward for cooperation between Camden County and the ATF.

Shooting On Bagnell Dam Strip – One In Custody / No Injuries Reported At This Time

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Photo By Lake Resident Jeremy Anderson On Facebook

****Update….

Police Chief Gary Launderville has submitted this release with additional details on the shooting………

Shooting on Strip

***Previous story:

 

BREAKING: Police in Lake Ozark report there were “shots fired” on the Bagnell Dam Strip Friday afternoon.

According to Police Chief Gary Launderville, one person is in custody and no one was injured.

Photos on social media show officers on the roadway with numerous shell casings on the ground.

The area near Dam Good Slice was, and may still be closed off to the public, while an investigation is underway.

This is a developing story and we’ll bring you more details as they become available.

Parents & Neighbors Of Jessica Mast Have Charges Upgraded To First Degree Murder

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The parents and two neighbors of a four-year-old girl beaten to death in December of last year now have upgraded charges in Benton County.

Jessica Mast was found dead in a bedroom wrapped in a blanket by Benton County Sheriff’s Deputies, and her parents were facing charges, including child endangerment resulting in death, but that’s been elevated to first degree murder.

The neighbors, Ethan Mast and Kourtney Aumen, were facing second degree murder charges, but they’ll also face a charge of first degree murder in Jessica’s death.

Investigators say the neighbors had been showing up at the home of James and Mary Mast for a couple of weeks.

That’s where prosecutors say Jessica, her parents and a two-year-old child were being beaten because the neighbors thought they had demons inside of them.

Man Arrested In Attempted Shooting At Eldon Funeral Home

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An investigation’s underway in Miller County after a gun was fired at a funeral in Eldon.

“We were dispatched to a call for shots fired, and the subject had a small caliber hand gun that he had fired inside of the business…to injure some family members” says Eldon police chief Brian Kidwell, “at this point we believe this was a murder-suicide plot.”

Kidwell tells KRMS News he thinks Bradley Duncan of Chesterfield wanted to kill his ex-wife before turning the gun on himself.

Officers were called to the funeral home Wednesday, and when they arrived they say they found Duncan being restrained by two other men.

Kidwell says they got control of the gun after a brief struggle and the shot was fired barely missed some people at the service “the round nearly missed individuals that were in the visitation/funeral.”

Duncan was arrested and taken to the Miller County Jail.

He’s facing charges including 1st Degree Domestic Assault and Armed Criminal Action.

Two Arrested In Phelps County Murder Case

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Two people are being questioned in a homicide investigation out of Phelps County.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, a man was found dead in a motel in St. James on Wednesday.

Following an investigation, deputies found 29-year-old Kimberly Riston and 20-year-old Josue Martinez walking along highway 63 in Maries county and they were taken into custody.

At this time no charges have been filed in the case and the pair was booked into the Phelps County Jail in Rolla on suspicion of murder.

This is an ongoing investigation and we’ll bring you more details when they’re available.

 

***Press Release***

HOMICIDE SUSPECTS APPREHENDED
The Phelps County Sheriff’s Department, along with the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Rolla Police Department, Central Communications, Phelps County Coroner, St. James Ambulance, are assisting the St. James Police Department with a homicide. A short time ago, a male subject was killed at the Economy Inn, St. James, Missouri. (Next of Kin has not been notified)
During the investigation, two suspects, Josue Martinez, age 20, and Kimberly Riston age 29 were identified and the information was disseminated to law enforcement and the public through the Everbridge notification system.
A short time later, an off-duty Phelps County Corrections Officer and her husband, a Sullivan Police Officer got the notification. While driving on Highway 63 they observed the suspects walking near Highway 63 and Highway 28, inside Maries County. They reported the incident and maintained a visual until Missouri State Highway Patrol Officers arrived. Both Martinez and Riston were taken into custody without incident.
Sheriff Michael Kirn would like to thank the St. James Police Department, Phelps County Coroner’s Office, Rolla Police Department, Missouri State Highway Patrol, St. James Ambulance, Central Communications, and especially the citizens of Phelps County, Missouri for their assistance. Without the dedicated Law Enforcement Officers and citizens, these dangerous people would not have been apprehended so quickly.
The investigation is ongoing but information indicates that no one else was involved. Both suspects will be transported to the Phelps County Jail pending warrant application for Murder.
The charges for which Martinez and Riston have been arrested are merely an accusation and are not evidence of guilt. Evidence in support of the charge must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.

Osage Beach Police Stats Continue To Show Rise In Activity Compared To Previous Years

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New numbers show four arrests made by police in Osage Beach during the second full week of April.

Officers made 20 traffic stops during the week, they responded to nine reports of stealing, and police made 44 building and area checks.

There were two calls for animal control and two people called 9-1-1 and hung up.

WEEKLY SUMMARY_NEWS RELEASE 20210412_20210418

Two Bills In Jefferson City Aim To Protect People And Police Against Violent Protestors

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Two bills some lawmakers say would protect people and police against violent protestors could pass in Missouri this month.

The two bills would expand penalties for protestors who block traffic or vandalize monuments or property.

One of the bills also stops some cities from decreasing their law enforcement budgets by more than 12-percent relative to proposed budgets in other departments, a move some see as a response to the ‘defund police’ movement in other parts of the U-S.

Both bills now wait for action in the state legislature.

Lake Area Narcotics Enforcement Group Sees Uptick In Drug Use

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The summer season is quickly coming for the Lake Area, and one local law enforcement official is concerned about more than methamphetamine as of late.

“We had fentanyl deaths in Miller, Morgan, Pettis….pretty much in all of our counties, with overdoses almost daily it seems like. Fentanyl has really taken hold and it’s really causing all kinds of problems” says Captain Kip Bartlett with the Mid-Missouri Drug Task Force.

He tells KRMS News says a new challenge is a recent trend of methamphetamine mixed with heroine “to me it’s like, it don’t make sense. I mean you have an upper and a downer, and it’s like…why would you combine those things? But they’re doing it.”

Captain Bartlett says meth volume has increased in the Lake Area along with the crisis at the border of the U-S and Mexico “once they opened the borders up after the new Administration came in, I’m not sure what happened there but we were just getting Meth like crazy.”

Captain Bartlett says other concerns are some people reacting to CBD products that are now becoming more common in the Lake Area

Political Activist Nathan Rinne Shares More About New Federal Lawsuit Against Camden County Commission

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A Federal lawsuit’s now filed by a Lake Area man against the Camden County Commission.

Nathan Rinne says he’s filed the lawsuit because he got a letter in March from the Commission saying he’s banned from county property for a year without due process.

“It doesn’t site any state statute, it doesn’t site any incidents…it’s not specific at all, and that’s a problem” says Rinne, “I didn’t have a hearing, I didn’t have an opportunity to plead my case…Nobody said come to court, we’re going to question you or get your side of the story…There was none of that.”

Rinne tells KRMS News he thinks getting banned is retaliation from the Commission because they don’t like his posts on Facebook “social media? I’ve definitely been outspoken about the Commission. That’s what it boils down too….I mean there are videos of Presiding Commissioner Hasty mentioning me and Facebook.”

Rinne says there’s some irony in the Commission’s decision “the hilarious part is the commission passed an ordinance, that was the last meeting I was at in fact, but they passed an ordinance saying that they respect and uphold the first amendment. So, this is a violation of my free speech as well as due process.”

KRMS has been told the Camden County Commission cannot comment on the pending Federal Lawsuit filed by Rinne.

We’ll pass along more details as they become available here on News / Talk KRMS.

Former Camden Commission Candidate Nathan Rinne Sues County In Federal Court Over Banning

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A Camden County resident who challenged Commissioner Don Williams in the 2020 Election is now suing the County in Federal Court.

Nathan Rinne says the County has banned him from entering the courthouse, commission office or the public library, and the decision by the commission he says is unconstitutional.

Rinne says his involvement as a concerned citizen, frequently calling out the county Government in person or on videos posted to Facebook is likely the cause, however he claims he’s broken no laws.

The lawsuit is claiming that the county’s ban comes under a false pretense, that he displayed “disruptive and harassment conduct.”

Rinne was the first to discover issues involving what’s being dubbed “Gravel Gate”, which has led to an investigation by the Highway Patrol.

Sunrise Beach Man Arrested – Facing Charges Of Kidnapping

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A Sunrise Beach man is behind bars facing charges of kidnapping.

According to the Camden County Sheriff’s Office, Dana Christian Ritchie is being accused of holding a woman against her will by locking her in a bedroom and assaulting her.

Investigators say the woman was able to get to her phone and call for help.

They say when the neighbor arrived, that person found Ritchie on top of the woman choking her.

Ritchie is being held without bond.

Lake Representative Vicky Hartzler Is Pushing To Stop Flow Of Illegal Immigrants And Drugs At The Border

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Lake Area U-S 4th District Representative Vicky Hartzler wants to stop the flow of illegal immigrants and drugs into the country.

She says so far over 55-hundred pounds of fentanyl has been seized at the border, but that surpasses all of the fentanyl captured during Fiscal Year 2020.

Hartzler says the EXIT Act will help fill tunnels along the border where she says innocent children are being exploited and drug cartels are profiting off the U-S drug epidemic.

 

***Press Release***

 

Hartzler Introduces Legislation to Combat Drug Trafficking at Border
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler (MO-04) has introduced the Eradicate Crossing of Illegal Tunnels (EXIT) Act, which expedites the approval process to fill cross-border tunnels by removing the unnecessary red tape currently preventing our U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) agents from addressing these critical border vulnerabilities.

“Our southern border has become overrun by human and drug traffickers who have profited off both innocent children and America’s drug epidemic,” Hartzler said. “The EXIT Act targets our border vulnerabilities and expedites a long, bureaucratic, and unnecessary process of filling these smuggling tunnels. With this legislation, our communities become better protected from the influx of harmful, illegal drugs and our border patrol agents see much-needed relief towards securing our nation.”

Specifically, the bill:

  • Grants the Secretary of Homeland Security the authority to waive Federal, State, and local environmental permits and reviews necessary to remediate unlawful border tunnels. Waiting for environmental reviews of drug tunnels that have already disturbed the ground and will ultimately be filled with concrete is unnecessary and threatens our national security.
  • Allows for CBP and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to enter into indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contracts. The number of tunnels found in a year varies. Currently, CBP must put the contract out for bid for every single tunnel instead of utilizing an “indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity” contract that allows for contractors to be on hand in order to more quickly fill border tunnels.
  • Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to clarify that CBP has the authority to search for and remediate all unlawful cross-border tunnels while patrolling the border.

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection have already seized 5,586lbs of fentanyl in FY2021, which is more than all of FY2020. This amount would be enough to kill over 1.2 billion people.

Read the bill in its entirety here.

Rockaway Beach Woman Facing Child Endangerment Charges After Deputies Find Drugs In Her Car

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A Rockaway Beach woman is facing child endangerment charges in Camden County following a car crash.

The Sheriff’s office says they responded to a report of a crash at Elliot drive.

Upon arrival, deputies found a man who said he was “trying to get away from a woman” who had been following him and he got stick in a ditch while driving into a field.

Investigators say that woman, Stephanie Stall, pulled up while the officers where on the scene and she appeared to be under the influence of drugs.

Following a search of her vehicle, deputies found methamphetamine as well as a 4-year-old child sitting in the front seat with no child safety seat.

Stall was taken to the county jail and given a $10,000 bond.

New Alcohol App Could Curb Underage Drinking But Some Lake Residents Are Skeptical Of Privacy Issues

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There’s a new app coming to the Lake Area and the creators say one goal is to prevent underage drinking.

“It’s designed to help keep our roads safer. There is a concern out there with Fake ID’s, that especially young adults will try to use to get alcoholic beverages” says MoDOT central engineer Bob Lynch, “this app is going to help with that and help reduce the number of underage people on the roadways and of course, using alcohol unfortunately.”

Lynch tells KRMS News the Missouri Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Control was also involved in making the app.

Retail employees would have the app on their phone so they can scan your ID to make sure it’s not a fake, but some people in the Lake Area are concerned about privacy; “would I be scanning people’s ID’s into my personal cell phone?” says one KRMS Listener…“if I was the person giving my ID over, I wouldn’t want someone else scanning my ID.”

KRMS has reached out to the Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Control for more info on the app and we’ll pass along more details as they become available.

Bob Lynch was interviewed by Guy Wehman on the Ozarks This Morning.

Grenade And Numerous Drugs Found During Raid On Camdenton Man’s Home

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A Camdenton Man is facing charges after a Grenade was found during an investigation.

Officials with the Lake Area Narcotics Enforcement Group say they went to Snyder Road to search the home of Robert Larson.

There they found hallucinogenic mushrooms and other drugs, pills and pipes.

Officers say they also found a large crystal, numerous narcotics, several guns…some of which were reported stolen…a grenade, ammunition and a large amount of cash.

Larson is facing 15 separate charges and is being held without bond.

Lake Area Representative Luetkemeyer Concerned Over Biden Gun Actions

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Executive actions taken by Joe Biden have one Lake Area U-S Representative concerned.

Congressman Blaine Luetkemeyer thinks taking gun from someone because of a mental health issue has to be done through a process “to have an arbitrary individual off the street, or even a family member, to say something and cause those guns to be taken away without due process is WRONG.”

Luetkemeyer tells KRMS News he thinks Biden is trying to infringe upon your right now own a gun in the U-S “you have to have due process, that’s the secret to all of these things that these folks want to do. They just want to arbitrarily allow law enforcement, or whomever, to go in and do whatever they are trying to impose. Whether that be taking away guns or trying to institutionalize somebody.”

He also says there’s a socialist agenda going on and the U-S Constitution is an obstacle for some who support it “the crutch of the problem is the media protects these people, it empowers these people. The Media is as much to blame here as the far left, because they’re empowering the far left with what they do and what they don’t do.”

Luetkemeyer was interviewed by Christian Blood on the KRMS Morning Magazine.

 

****Additional info:

 

Luetkemeyer on President Biden’s Unlawful Executive Order to Violate Second Amendment Rights

 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-03) released the following statement regarding President Joe Biden’s executive order to infringe on law-abiding Americans’ rights to possess firearms.

 

“Villainizing and defunding the police, completely ignoring border security, and now infringing on Americans’ ability to defend ourselves without any chance of preventing crime. This reckless agenda may satisfy the political left, but it continues to threaten the livelihoods of people in Missouri and around the country. Our Founding Fathers felt the right to bear arms was so important they made it the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution. Today’s announcement from the Biden Administration is yet another reminder that they view our founding principles and documents as nothing more than an inconvenience they will simply ignore when they don’t fit their narrative.”

Buffalo Man Facing Charges For Harassing Area Woman And Fighting With Police

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A Buffalo man is facing numerous charges after an investigation by the Dallas County Sheriff’s office.

According to a release, an unidentified victim contacted the Sheriff’s office after getting a message from resident Jack Lawson on social media, which contained sexually explicit content.

Officers contacted Lawson and questioned him at the office.

Investigators say the next day, the victim contacted the Sheriff’s office again, saying Lawson had been sending her threatening messages.

When Deputies arrived at his house, he began to shout and attempted to fight with them.

He’s being held on a $30,000 bond with a court date set for April 13th.

Hartzler Worried About Ongoing Opioid Crisis In Show Me State

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A Lake Area elected official is concerned about the ongoing opioid crisis in Missouri.

Republican U-S Representative Vicky Hartzler points to resources created during the Trump Administration as part of the solution “we have a tremendous amount of grant money focused to going after the opioid crisis, that passed a year or two ago, and is now in the implementation stage at our own hospital here at the lake.”

Hartzler says the grant money will go toward prevention, treatment, and ongoing recovery programs throughout Missouri.

State Senators just voted in favor of a bill that would join Missouri with 49 other states in creating a database for doctors to use in trying identify possible opioid abuse.

Some Republicans in the State Capital are concerned the bill could violate patient privacy.

Hartzler was interviewed by Christian Blood on the KRMS morning Magazine.

 

Gardner Denied Prosecuting Job For McColskey’s Of St. Louis

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Daniel Shular/Twitter

St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner will not be prosecuting one couple after they pulled guns in front of a mob last summer.

The Missouri Supreme Court’s ruling means former U-S Attorney Richard Callahan will handle the case against Mark and Patricia McColskey.

The couple was seen in a video that went viral during weeks of civil unrest in St. Louis.

The McColskey’s pulled their guns after a group of protestors broke into their gated community.

The attorney for the McCloskey’s argues that Gardner wants to use the case for political gain.

The McCloskey’s are pleading not guilty to unlawful use of a weapon and evidence tampering.

Court Rules Lake Realtor Bauman Needs Psychiatric Evaluation

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A court has ordered a psychiatric evaluation for Lake Realtor Leigh Ann Bauman, who’s accused of trying to hire a hitman to kill her ex-mother-in-law.

She’s accused of attempting to hire a hit-man through a contact in St. Louis, by offering to pay $1,500 dollars to have someone make her death look like an accident.

During a Highway Patrol investigation, Bauman accused a witness of being the one recommending the attempted murder plan.

She also left her home during an interview with the Patrol, in order to get a beauty regime done, then returned and asked the Patrol to speak with Lake Ozark Mayor Gerry Murawski, which they refused.

Bauman is facing attempted murder charges and bonded out following her recent court appearance, where she pleaded not-guilty.

ATF Strikes Back Against Lake Area 2nd Amendment Ordinances

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black semi automatic pistol on black textile

Photo by Thomas Def on Unsplash

One elected official in the Lake Area says the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms will not service Camden County, and possibly others that have passed Second Amendment ordinances since President Trump left the White House.

Camden County Commissioner James Gohagan confirms the news “according to the Prosecutor (Caleb Cunningham) he’s tried to get them to work with him on certain cases, they have refused specifically citing the 2nd Amendment ordinances…they will not service Camden County.”

Commissioner Gohagan says they’re also telling Sheriff Tony Helms they will not assist the County Sheriff’s office either.

A few counties in the Lake Area, including Miller and Benton, have passed ordinances that aim to guarantee gun rights will not be infringed upon at the local, state and Federal level.

This is a developing story and we’ll pass along more details as they become available here on News / Talk KRMS.

Norman Pleads Not Guilty In Laclede County Murder Case

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A man accused of killing a Marshfield man in Laclede county is pleading not guilty to first-degree murder and armed criminal action.

30-year-old Shane Patrick Norman of Eldridge appeared before a Judge on Monday.

He’s accused in the murder of 33-year-old Nathan Young, who’s dismembered body was found in a creek last November after he went missing, shortly after winning the lottery.

Norman had worked with Young prior to the incident.

Norman’s next court appearance will be April 27th.

New App Aims To Curb Illegal Alcohol Sales In Missouri

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There’s a new app that’s supposed to prevent the sale of alcohol to minors.

Retail employees will be able to take a picture of an ID with a phone or tablet to see if it’s fake or real.

The app was created by the Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Control in partnership MoDOT.

Officials say information obtained with that photo of your ID will not be saved.

 

***Press Release***

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 1, 2021

New app from Missouri Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Control allows retail cashiers to verify authenticity of IDs with their phones

‘Show-Me ID’ app that aids retail employees checking IDs for proof of age before alcohol purchases is now available

JEFFERSON CITY – The Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Control announces it has partnered with the MoDOT Highway Safety and Traffic Division, to launch a free app to aid retail employees and other users in verifying the authenticity of IDs simply by scanning the ID with the camera on a mobile phone or tablet. The “Show-Me ID” app became available to all Missourians today.

“Underage drinking is a danger to Missouri’s young people and others on the road, and the new Show-Me ID app makes it easier than ever for all those who sell alcohol to verify the authenticity of any state-issued identification to aid in the prevention of alcohol being sold to minors,” said Dottie Taylor, state supervisor of the Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Control. “While this is in no way a replacement for the physical checking of an ID and comparison to the person providing it, it is certainly another powerful tool to aid retail employees. While there are other apps available and none that are fool-proof, this is the best that we have used.”

The app can be found in the Apple App Store and Google Play. Users search for it by typing “Show-Me ID” in their search once they have opened their app store.

Taylor said Show-Me ID automatically signals the user when a scanned ID is fraudulent. The app includes a calendar feature to alert whether the bearer of a legitimate ID is of legal age to purchase alcohol or tobacco products. There is also a guide on the app that reminds the user of the proper steps for checking whether the ID is valid and the prospective purchaser is of legal age. The Show-Me ID app does not store the information from IDs it has scanned.

“Underage drinking is dangerous in and of itself, but coupled with driving it can be deadly,” said Jon Nelson, MoDOT assistant to the state highway safety and traffic engineer. “By preventing underage purchases of alcohol, we can potentially save lives not only of our youth but also other users of Missouri’s roadways.”

Alcohol is the most commonly used substance among young people in the U.S., according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The agency says excessive drinking is responsible for more than 3,500 deaths among people under age 21 and more than 100,000 emergency room visits by persons aged 12 to 21 for injuries and other conditions linked to alcohol.

Man Found In Burned Car Identified As Eric Rodriquez

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A man found dead in a burnt car is now identified.

The Laclede County Sheriff’s Office says 46-year-old Eric Rodriguez had been shot before his body was found March 23rd.

Investigators say Rodriguez was last seen alive at a music festival near Laquey March 20th.

Laclede County says it’s working with the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office and the Missouri State Highway Patrol Division of Drug and Crime Control on the case.

If you have any information about what happened to Eric Rodriguez you’re asked to contact police right away.

IRS Warns About Phishing Scam Affected EDU E-Mail Addresses

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If you have an email address ending in .edu in the Lake Area, the IRS wants you to be aware.

The Internal Revenue Service says there’s a phishing scam going around targeting students at both public and private universities.

Officials say you might see an email that looks like it’s from the I-R-S, and the subject line might say, ‘Tax Refund Payment’ or ‘Recalculation of your tax refund payment.’

The email might ask you to click a link before a website starts asking for personal information, like a social security number.

If you get this kind of email you’re urged not to open it and to report it to the I-R-S.

Man Faces Additional Drug Charges After Attempting To Smuggle Them Into Camden County Jail

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A man accused of trying to smuggle drugs into the Camden County Jail is facing four-counts of possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute.

The Camden County Prosecutor’s Office says deputies were inspecting 28-year-old Jeffrey Allen of Camdenton, and medical professionals were called upon to search for drugs inside of Allen.

With a search warrant ready, investigators say several prescription pills were found, including methamphetamine.

If convicted of the most recent drug charges, Allen could be spending a maximum of life in prison given his previous history with drug offenses.

Fort Leonard Wood Soldiers Address Violent Extremism In New Training From Department Of Defense

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Col. Jeff Paine, Fort Leonard Wood Garrison commander, addresses garrison Soldiers and civilians on policies regarding extremism March 17 at Lincoln Hall Auditorium. Units here — in line with a Department of Defense initiative announced in February by Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin — are ensuring every Soldier and Army civilian has an understanding of their roles in eliminating extremism from the military. (Photo by Dawn Arden)

 

Soldiers at Fort Leonard Wood are getting trained in the fight against Extremism.

Officials say all this Month trainings have focused on helping Soldiers identify what extremism is, and how to object or report individuals involved in those activities.

One of the trainings specifically focuses on social media and how to identify troubling posts.

It’s all part of the Department of Defense’s new strategy in tackling extremism’s.

 

***Press Release***

Fort Leonard Wood units stand-down to address violent extremism

FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo. (March 26, 2021) — Fort Leonard Wood service members and civilians are getting training on their roles regarding the elimination of extremism from the Department of Defense, in line with an initiative announced in February by Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin.

“There is not a single doubt in my mind that you take seriously your oath to the Constitution; and that you serve this country with honor, dignity and character; and that you believe in, and uphold, our core values each and every day,” Austin said in a video played at the beginning of each training session. “We need your help. I’m talking, of course, about extremism and extremist ideology — views and conduct that run counter to everything that we believe in, and which can actually tear at the fabric of who we are as an institution.”

Stand-down briefings taking place in person and virtually through March 31 here are meant to remind every service member and employee of their duty to reject and report participation in extremist organizations and activities, including those that advocate — among other things — racial intolerance or discrimination; use of force to deprive individuals of their constitutional rights; and advocating or teaching the overthrow of the U.S. government.

Army Training and Doctrine Command senior leaders and staff facilitated a discussion March 10 on the Army Profession with command teams and leaders.

Maj. Gen. James Bonner, MSCoE and Fort Leonard Wood commanding general, attended TRADOC’s session and stressed its importance.

“Along with our headquarters, we are re-training the entire team — military and civilian — in the values we have always held,” Bonner said. “DoD places the highest importance on treating every person with dignity and respect, in an inclusive environment, free from discrimination and extremism. Service members and civilians alike must report and reject any part of these activities. We are part of the world’s greatest profession and must hold ourselves to the highest standards of character and conduct.”

In a virtual briefing Tuesday, Col. Jeff Paine, Fort Leonard Wood Garrison commander, said it’s important for service members and employees at all levels to “be trained and educated on appropriate actions when we see indicators of extremism.”

Paine said prohibited actions in support of extremist organizations or activities include, but are not limited to, participating in a public demonstration or rally; attending a meeting or activity with knowledge that it involves an extremist cause; fundraising; and recruiting, training or organizing members of extremist organizations.

In addition to explaining policies, the briefings also included vignettes of on- and off-duty situations meant to spur discussion. Cyber activities, such as posting, liking and sharing ideas and information on social media, were also addressed in the briefings.

Paine said personnel are responsible for the content they publish on all personal and public internet domains, and participation in internet sites sponsored by extremist organizations and activities is inconsistent with the responsibilities of military service. Army personnel are urged to speak up if they notice any violations and self report if involved in extremist activities, intentionally or not.

An uptick in peaceful and legal domestic protests and demonstrations over the past several years has “provided opportunities and emboldened violent extremist groups to take a more aggressive approach in their actions,” Paine said.

“These groups are known to actively target current and former military personnel,” he added. “Based on the oath that we took and based on what we signed up to defend, even one (extremist in the DoD) is too many if it’s something that prevents us from doing our job of protecting our nation.”

Personnel should report threats, extremist behavioral indicators and other counterintelligence matters to their chain of command, law enforcement or through Army programs such as iSalute. Visit https://www.inscom.army.mil/isalute or call 1.800.225.5779 to make a report.

Jeff City Woman Faces Drug Charges Following Miller County Traffic Stop

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A Jefferson City woman’s facing drug charges after her arrest Saturday in Miller County.

The Missouri Highway Patrol says 44-year-old Misty Mitchell was pulled over for going 87 in a 70-mile-an-hour zone.

But Troopers also says they found meth and other drug paraphernalia in Mitchell’s car and they say she had no auto insurance.

Camden County Couple To Go On Trial In May For Bankruptcy Fraud

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A Camden County couple will go on trial May 19th after a four-count indictment for bankruptcy fraud.

The U-S Attorney’s Office is accusing Kevin Kahrig of transferring more than a half-million dollars into his wife’s account to hide the money.

Kahrig’s also accused of lying under oath in 2018 while filing for bankruptcy and also asking business partners to pay his wife, Catharine, or other family members.

The Kahrig’s are pleading not-guilty, but if convicted they could spend up to 5 years in prison and might have to pay up to a quarter-million dollars for each charge.

Laclede County Sheriff Speaks About Young Murder Arrest

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An Eldridge man is facing a charge of First Degree murder after his arrest in Laclede County.

The Sheriff’s Office says the arrest of 30-year-old Shane Patrick Norman is connected to the discovery of a body in November.

“To go over each step of this investigation would almost be too difficult to do. But it was something that was pieced together that we worked on everyday, and finally were able to produce a document after receive some DNA evidence from the lab. It was a very long and thorough investigation, I believe we conducted 35 interviews…we served a number of search warrants…we were able to put that all together and developed a suspect” says Sheriff David Milsap.

He tells KRMS News it was hard to identify the decapitated body of Nathan Young of Webster County early on “we were able to recover some of those body parts about a month after the homicide, and that led us fairly quickly led us through some tattoos on the body that indicated this was going to be Nathan Young. “

Sheriff Milsap says Young had been missing for two days before his body was found in Mountain Creek near the city of Eldridge, by a couple who were looking for arrowheads.

Milsap is not ruling out additional arrests in the case, but he says he’s not expecting any more at this time.

We’ll pass along the latest details on the story right here on News / Talk KRMS.

Eldridge Man Arrested For The Murder Of A Man Found In A Laclede County Creek

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An Eldridge man is facing murder charges following an arrest in Laclede County.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, 30-year-old Shane Patrick Norman was picked up without incident for the murder of 33-year-old Nathan Andrew Young of Webster County.

Investigators say Young’s body was found with a gunshot wound to the neck in a Creek Bed off Kinfolk Road on November 6th of 2020.

Officials say Young’s head, hands and feet were removed and that Norman had attempted to burn his body.

They say Norman and Young were acquaintances and that Norman had worked for Young at his Welding Business.

Numerous area agencies were involved with the investigation.

This is an ongoing story and we’ll bring you additional details as they come in.

 

***PRESS RELEASE***

 

Shane Patrick Norman, 30, of Eldridge, Missouri was arrested by The Laclede County Sheriff’s Office without incident in Lebanon yesterday for the murder of Nathan Andrew Young, 33, of Webster County.

The Laclede County Prosecutor’s Office filed 1st Degree Murder charges today.

Young’s body was found in a creek bed just off Kinfolk Road on November 6, 2020. Young’s head, hands and feet had been removed and Norman attempted to burn the body. Norman shot the victim in the back of the head with a shotgun.
Norman and Young were acquaintances. Norman had worked for Young at his welding business. Norman was on probation at the time of the killing.

“This had been a long, but very detailed investigation. We have presented a solid case to the Laclede County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office,” Sheriff David Millsap said. “The family has been supportive of our investigative efforts and understanding the thoroughness in which we have put this case together over a period of time.”

The Office received investigative assistance in the case from Lake Area Narcotics Enforcement Group, Missouri Highway Patrol Division of Drug and Crime Control, Missouri Highway Patrol Crime Laboratory, ATF, Missouri State Highway Patrol Dive Team, Mid States Organized Crime Information Center, Missouri Information Analysis Center.

Lake Realtor Leigh Ann Bauman To Stand Trial Starting April 7th

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Lake Area real estate agent Leigh Ann Bauman stands accused of conspiracy to commit murder, and it looks like she’ll stand trial.

Bauman appeared in a hearing Monday and Associate Judge Heather Miller has decided to move ahead with the trial.

Court records show Bauman’s accused of trying to hire a hit man to kill her ex-mother-in-law and she’s accused of being willing to pay $15-hundred dollars to have it done.

Prosecutors played audio at Monday’s hearing and they say it proves Bauman was trying to strike a deal with a witness who turned to police for help.

Bauman’s next court appearance is April 7th.

13-Year-Old Boy Left Fighting For His Life Following Pit Bull Attack In Rolla

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A 13-year-old Rolla boy is fighting to stay alive after getting attacked by a Pit Bull Terrier.

Rolla police say the boy was flown to Children’s Hospital after the attack and his status is unknown.

Officers were called Saturday when the pit bull broke free from its chain and attacked the child who was taking cupcakes to a neighbor’s house.

The owners of the dog and then other adults got the dog away from the boy, but it broke free from people and attacked the child again.

Animal Control Officers arrived and subdued the dog before it was taken to a local vet and put down.

We’ll pass along more details on this developing story as they become available here on KRMS.

Pit bull attack

Illinois Woman Facing Charges After Going 101 Miles An Hour Through Camden County

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An Illinois woman is facing numerous charges following a high-speed chase in Camden County.

According to the Highway Patrol, 26-year-old Alissa Doell of Gillespie (Gill es pee) was picked up over the weekend after Troopers found her driving 101 miles an hour in a 65 mile an hour zone.

Doell is also facing charges of failing to register a motor vehicle and driving under the influence of alcohol.

Two Arrested In Pulaski County Drug Raid

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Two people are facing drug charges following a major bust in Pulaski County.

According to the Sheriff’s office, 45-year-old Cheryl Lynn Hardin and 39-year-old Jamel Van Hampton were taken into custody after a search by Deputies at their home off Hartford Road in Dixon.

Investigators say that search turned up 11 grams of black tar heroin, 7.5 grams of cocaine and 18 grams of marijuana.

2 Large scales and nearly $10,000 in cash were also found in their possession.

Zahn Murder Trial To Start Monday – Change Of Venue Approved

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The murder trial of a Lake Area woman prosecutors accuse of shooting her ex-boyfriend starts on Monday in Laclede County.

Investigators say 47-year-old Christine Zahn shot 34-year-old Derek Harrelson in November 2018 after an argument in her camper.

Court documents show Zahn told Camden County Sheriff’s Deputies the shooting was self-defense, but investigators say there are inconsistencies in her story.

The venue of the trial has been changed and we’ll keep you caught up with the developments here on KRMS.

Standoff Leads To Fatal Shooting In Phelps County

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One man is dead after a fatal shooting in St. James, southeast of Lake of the Ozarks.

It all started Wednesday around 2 pm when police were called to a home because of gunfire “There was a suspect inside a residence, he was shooting…we don’t know if he was shooting at us or just shooting inside the house. At that point, we knew we had a barricaded suspect so we established a perimeter around the house and contacted a swat team” says St. James Police Chief Ron Jones.

He tells KRMS News they had to close nearby schools to keep students safe “During that time we shut the schools down, as schools were getting ready to let out, so we shut them down for the safety of the child and staff there…before students get dismissed and buses started traveling down that roadway.”

Jones says once the SWAT Team arrived, negotiations got underway….But they ended up failing “just after 9pm, we were able to make entry into the residence there after negotiations failed and we were unable to make contact with him. He was found deceased inside the residence due to a gunshot wound.”

Chief Jones says no officers or bystanders were hurt during the standoff.

Zahn Murder Trial To Start This Coming Monday In Camden County

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The murder trial of a Camden County woman will begin this coming Monday.

Christine Zahn was arrested following a fatal shooting in 2018, in which Zahn’s ex-boyfriend was shot to death in a camper parked on Pigeon Lane.

Investigators say Zahn reported to Camden County Sheriff’s deputies that she heard “dogs barking” and when she opened the door between the bedroom and kitchen area, she saw a man running at her.

She claims that’s when she picked up a rifle and fired.

However, in a separate interview with Sheriff’s deputies, Zahn indicated that she and the victim got into a heated argument and that she felt threatened, so she grabbed her rifle and shot him.

She’s facing charges of first-degree murder and armed criminal action.

Lake Realtor Bauman Denied Bond – Will Have Hearing On March 22nd

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A Lake Area real estate agent accused of trying to hire a hit man to kill her ex-mother-in-law will not be getting bond.

Leigh Ann Bauman appeared via video conference at a bond hearing Tuesday, but her attorneys were in the courtroom when Camden County Judge Heather Miller decided not to set bond.

Prosecutors accuse Bauman of trying to hire someone to kill her ex-mother-in-law AND to make it look like an accident.

According to court records, the judge was concerned about Bauman’s ties to numerous states, money and danger to the victim.

Bauman now has a preliminary hearing scheduled for Monday, March 22nd.

Camden County Sheriff Sees Higher Than Usual Winter Calls

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Camden County Sheriff Deputies are reporting 906 dispatched calls during the second full-week of March.

The new numbers show 51 arrests made, 15 traffic stops, and two reports of fraud.

Deputies also took one report of property damage, 3 reports of vehicle tampering and two calls for animal control.

 

***PRESS RELEASE***

 

The Camden County Sheriff’s Office responded to the following incidents during the week of 03/08 – 03/15

 

Dispatched calls- 906

Total Arrests- 51

Mental Evaluation-2

Animal Control-2

Traffic-15

Drug Treatment Court Violation-1

DWI-2

Fraud-2

Passing Bad Check-1

Poss of a Controlled Substance-3

Property Damage-1

Tampering with a Motor Vehicle-3

12 Hour holds-6

Warrant Arrest-5

Versailles Man Facing Charges Following Incident At Sunrise Beach Business

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beach

A Versailles man is facing charges of property damage following an arrest in Sunrise Beach.

According to the Police Department, a business owner reported that they saw a man crawling from under a vehicle with what appeared to be a catalytic converter.

Officials say they pulled over Donald Donell in a vehicle matching a description given by the business owner.

He’s being held on no bond and more charges are expected to be filed soon.

Versailles Woman Faces Drug & DWI Charges Following Multi-Vehicle Crash

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A Versailles woman is seriously hurt after a three-car crash in Camden County.

But she’s also facing DWI and drug charges.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol says 29-year-old Chelsi Adkins was driving on Highway 5 north of Trails End Road Thursday when the car she was driving  crossed the center line and hit another car head-on.

A Sunrise Beach woman driving the other car had minor injuries.

A third was involved after trying to miss the initial accident – the minor driving that car wasn’t hurt.

Adkins was taken to Lake Regional Hospital by ambulance, but investigators say they also found pot and drug paraphernalia in the car.

Adkins’ condition is unknown.

Camden Sheriff’s Office Ready For 2021 Vacation Season To Get Started

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The Lake Area could see more people this year than it did last year, and local law enforcement is getting ready.

“We want everybody to have fun. We really do. We want you to come up here, spend your tax dollars, tell your friends about it and then go home and be safe. If my guys didn’t have to arrest a single person during the season, we’d be happy” says Captain Chris Twitchel with the Camden County Sheriff’s Office.

He tells KRMS News too much alcohol is sometimes the leading cause of a bad time at the lake “And we deal with it a lot, were you’ll find yourself in jail cooling off for 12 hours because you didn’t know where you were at. We have some people going into the wrong houses because they were too intoxicated to get there.”

Twitchel says there’s no excuse for drinking and driving in Lake Area given the number of other options available, like Uber Lyft or a taxi cab.

Drinking isn’t the only issue they deal with, there’s been a rise in drug use as well “We’ve been really active here lately a lot with Fentynal and other stuff and normally this time of year it’s sorta calmed down, with just a few burglaries and stuff, but it feels like everyone’s been here the whole time.”

He says the manpower for the Camden County Sheriff’s Office is the same during the summer months as it is during the winter months when fewer people are visiting Lake of the Ozarks.

He was interviewed by Christian Blood on The Ozarks Today.

Lake Area Realtor Accused Of Conspiracy To Commit Murder Has Bond Hearing Set For March 16th

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A Lake Area real estate agent accused of conspiracy to commit murder will have a bond hearing next week.

43-year-old Leigh Ann Bauman was arrested Thursday and court documents say she wanted to hire a hit man to kill her ex-mother-in law.

Prosecutors say Bauman was willing to pay 15-hundred dollars to have the ex-mother-in-law killed.

Prosecutors are accusing Bauman of trying to hire a hit man because she thought her ex-husband might try to get full custody of their children.

Bauman waived her right to a preliminary bond hearing Tuesday.

A bond hearing is set for March 16th in Camden County Circuit Court.

Additionally, a Go Fund Me account was setup in her name by an unknown man, claiming she had been put under a voodoo spell by Nigerian man.

That go fund me is attempting to raise money for her defense, however it’s unknown if it’s a valid account or not.

Camdenton Man Arrested After Miller County Deputies Find Numerous Drugs

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Cooperation between numerous law enforcement agencies is landing a Camdenton man in jail facing numerous charges.
Deputies in Miller County say they pulled over 38-year-old Jeffrey Allen on Sunday, and they say they found close to a pound of methamphetamine, cocaine and other controlled substances.
Investigators say Allen was pulled over in Iberia on Highway 42 before being taken to the Miller County Jail.
He’s charged with one count of 2nd-degree drug trafficking and five counts of possession of a controlled substance.
The Mid-Missouri Drug Task Force and Lake Ozark Police Department were also involved in the operation.

Lake Ozark Realtor Arrested On Conspiracy To Commit Murder

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A Lake Area real estate agent is behind bars, accused of Conspiracy to Commit First Degree Murder.

According to the Camden County Prosecutor, a witness reported that 43-year-old Leigh Ann Bauman of Lake Ozark, attempted to hire several individuals from St. Louis to kill her ex-mother-in-law and that she wanted it to “look like an accident.”

Officials say Bauman believed her ex-mother-in-law was interfering with her relationship with her children.

The Prosecutor’s office is requesting a no-bond warrant in the case.

Osage Beach Man Arrested For Masturbating On Wal-Mart Eye Care Employee

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An Osage Beach man is facing sexual misconduct charges following an incident at Wal-Mart’s eye-care center.

According to court documents, 29-year-old Julian Rowland was taken into custody after an employee felt a wetness on her pants leg, which turned out to be semen.

Officials believe Rowland had been masturbating during his session.

Rowland is now being held on no-bond, pending this case and another case out of Pulaski County, where he’s facing charges of forcible rape and statutory sodomy.

Murder Charges Filed – Two Others Arrested In Death Of Dennis Born

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A Camdenton man wanted for questioning in the death of Dennis Born is now facing a charge of Second-Degree murder.

31-year-old Timothy Cole Evans was arrested Thursday after Born’s missing pickup truck was recovered Wednesday.

“I was thrilled that a suspect is arrested, so I knew it was going in the right direction and that something was going to be found out one way or another because people always talk…especially when they’re pressured” says Dyani Born, daughter of Dennis.

Court records show Evans is accused of injecting Fentanyl into in Born’s neck.

As far as the 2nd degree murder charge, Born’s daughter thinks it’s not right…“It’s not enough. It’s first degree. And I hope that they can prove that it is first degree. He did not do this to himself.”

Two others, 31-year-old Felix Knight and 28-year-old Adrienne Edington were also taken into custody in connection to the murder.

A probable cause statement indicates that Knight was with Evans at the time of Born’s death and that Edington was involved by giving safe harbor to Knight and Evans at her home in Camelot Estates.

Dyani Born says she’s thankful that the surveillance cameras were able to capture everything that happened in the case…“People forget that they’re always on security camera, or if they type something it’s recorded and their tracked on their cell phones. They always forget that.”

Residents reported to KRMS on Thursday seeing helicopters and numerous police officers in that area during the afternoon.

This remains a developing story and we’ll continue to bring you the latest information as it comes in.

Man Wanted For Question In The Death Of Dennis Born Captured Thursday

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A Camdenton man wanted for questioning in the death of Dennis Born has been captured.

Officials took 31-year-old Timothy Cole Evans into custody on Thursday afternoon.

“We just appreciate the citizens and our communities help in identifying and locating Mr. Evans. We’ll take care of it from there” says Captain Chris Twitchel with the Camden County Sheriff’s Office.

He tells KRMS News the missing pickup truck that belonged to Born was found by Sheriff’s Deputies Wednesday.

Captain Twitchel also says an autopsy has been ordered as Born showed no signs of physical injury when his body was found.

We’ll pass along more details on the story as they become available here on KRMS.

 

***Press Release***

UPDATE – EVANS TAKEN INTO CUSTODY WITHOUT INCIDENT AT APPROXIMATELY 3:15 PM THIS DATE. SHERIFF HELMS WANTS TO THANK THE MISSOURI STATE HIGHWAY PATROL, CAMDENTON POLICE DEPARTMENT AND THE CAMDEN COUNTY PROSECUTOR’S OFFICE FOR THEIR ASSISTANCE. GREAT TEAMWORK

Barnett Woman Arrested After Toddler Found Walking Around Naked & Drugs Found In Hotel Room

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A Barnett woman’s facing charges after a call about a naked toddler roaming around a hotel in Eldon.

The Miller County Sheriff’s Office says deputies were called Tuesday and made contact with the mother, 43-year-old Brandy Batchelder, who was staying at the Super 8 location.

Investigators say they later found suspected methamphetamine and other materials for its sale and distribution.

The Sheriff’s Office says the street value of the drugs is more than $100-thousand dollars.

Batchelder was taken to the Miller county Jail where she’s facing numerous charges, including trafficking drugs and endangering the welfare of a child.

The toddler was put in protective custody.

21-00179 Press Release

New Benton County Jail Now Open For Sheriff’s Deputies

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There’s a new jail in Benton County.

According to Sheriff Eric Knox, the new facility on East Main Street in Warsaw has been in the works for a few years and is finally open for business.

Knox says in addition to the added space, deputies now have their own personal lockers and a shower facility.

Funds from a sales tax increase approved by voters were used to build the facility, which can now house up to 100 detainees at a time.

The previous facility required deputies to house inmates at other locations due to lack of space.

Waynesville Man Sentenced To 12 Years In Prison In Fight That Killed His Neighbor

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A Waynesville man accused of killing his neighbor in a fight dating back to August 2019 has been sentenced to 12 years in prison.

Court documents show that Anthony Olden and the victim, Shawn Raines, had been fighting at Olden’s residence.

Police reports indicated that Olden had “Jumped” onto Raines and “punched him” in the face and “stomped” on his head.

It was later reported that Raines’ body was found in his apartment by a bail bondsman the next morning.

Olden pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter during his previous court appearance.

Sunrise Beach Man Arrested In Domestic Assault Case

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A Sunrise Beach man is facing domestic assault charges after the victim shows up beaten and bruised at Lake Regional Hospital.

According to the Camden County Sheriff’s office, deputies were called to the hospital when the 78-year-old unidentified victim arrived with serious injuries.

Investigators claim the victim was choked, bitten and assaulted by another family member.

Shortly afterwards, deputies arrested 42-year-old Shane Anderson for felony kidnapping and domestic assault.

 

***PRESS RELEASE***

On 02/07/21 deputies responded to Lake Regional Hospital to meet with a 78-year-old victim of Domestic Assault. The victim had been reportedly choked, bitten, and assaulted by a family member. As a result, the victim received serious injuries. Deputies were able to locate a suspect and he was taken into custody without incident.

Shane L Anderson age 42 of Sunrise Beach was charged with Felony Kidnapping and two counts of 2nd Degree Domestic Assault. He remains at the Camden County Correctional Facility on a $30,000.00 surety bond.

*The Camden County Sheriff’s Office reminds everyone that these charges are merely an accusation and these individuals remain innocent until proven guilty.

Eldridge Man Accused Of Shooting At Man In A Camdenton Home Over A Woman

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An Eldridge man is facing felony assault charges following a shooting in Camdenton.

According to the Camden County Sheriff’s office, deputies were called out to the area of Bear Ridge Road following reports of a man shooting off 9 rounds of ammunition into a travel trailer.

Two individuals were at home during the time of the shooting; however, investigators say they left before deputies arrived.

Officials say the man accused of shooting into the travel was 45-year-old Michael Horonzy, who was picked up at a home in Laclede County and is currently being held on no Bond.

Investigators believe the shooting was between Horonzy and another man, over a woman who was with the other man at the time of the shooting.

 

***PRESS RELEASE***

 

On 02/06/2021, deputies responded to the area of Bear Ridge Road in Camdenton reference a shooting. Upon arrival, deputies and investigators learned a male discharged over 9 rounds into a travel trailer where the victim was located. This happened pursuant to an altercation between the two males over a female. The male suspect and female left the scene prior to law enforcement arrival. Deputies later located the suspect at a residence in Laclede County and he was taken into custody.

Michael J Horonzy age 45 of Eldridge Mo was charged with Felony First Degree Assault, Felony Armed Criminal Action and Felony Unlawful Use of a Weapon. He was denied Bond. He remains at the Camden County Correctional Facility.

*The Camden County Sheriff’s Office reminds everyone that these charges are merely an accusation and these individuals remain innocent until proven guilty.

Lake Ozark Man Faces Numerous Charges Following DWI

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A Lake Ozark man with numerous warrants is facing charges after his arrest in Miller County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol says 28-year-old Sebastian Kruse was pulled over for not driving on the right side of the road, but Troopers say Kruse had outstanding warrants with the Osage Beach Police Department, Miller County and Cole County.

Kruse is facing charges, including speeding, drug possession, DWI and driving with no insurance.

Miller County Man Arrested In Brumley Burglary

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A Miller County man is facing charged following a robbery at a store in Brumley.

According to the Sheriff’s office, deputies were called out to the business after a burglar alarm was triggered.

Upon arrival, deputies found cash missing from the businesses.

They say video surveillance helped them identify the burglar as 36-year-old Brandon Howser.

Howser was picked up by deputies on an unrelated warrant and is now facing additional charges of Burglary and Felony stealing.

Officials say most of the money stolen was returned to the business owner.

Brumley Bar Press Release

Two Camden County Residents Face Drug Charges Following Raid

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Two people are facing drug charges following a raid by the Lake Area Narcotics group, the Mid-Missouri Drug Task force and the Camden County Sheriff’s office.

According to reports, a warrant was obtained and a search of a residence was conducted in the county.

Officials say Amber Rodriguez and Layne Elmore were taken into custody during the raid.

Deputies found approximately 100 pills, which presumptuously tested positive for opiates used in the making of Fentanyl.

Also found where drug paraphernalia, a gun and cash.

The pills have been sent to the Highway Patrol’s laboratory for further analysis.

***PRESS RELEASE***

 

On 02/02/21 Members of the Lake Area Narcotics Enforcement Group and the Camden County Sheriffs Office conducted an investigation utilizing information gained from the Mid Missouri Drug Task Force. During the investigation, a search warrant was obtained and executed at a residence in Camelot Estates. As a result, approximately 100 capsules of suspected Fentanyl, several plastic baggies of a white crystalline substance and a handgun were seized. Two females were arrested at the residence and transported to the Camden County Detention Center.

Amber R Rodriguez age 30 of Camdenton was charged with Felony Delivery of a Controlled Substance and Felony Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.

Layne A Elmore age 33 of Camdenton was charged with Felony Delivery of a Controlled Substance.

Both suspects remain at the Camden County Detention Center on no bond.

 

 

*The Camden County Sheriff’s Office reminds everyone that these charges are merely an accusation and these individuals remain innocent until proven guilty.

Rules For Using Body Cameras Updated For Camdenton Police

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Camdenton Police officers will now be required to wear their body cameras anytime they’re on duty.

At Tuesday’s board of alderman meeting, a resolution passed modifying the language for the standard operating procedures for the department to include the use of body cameras, including when they should be used.

The department has already been using cameras and officials say they’ve ordered 3 new ones for 2021.

But until Tuesday night, their S.O.P. did not include any language on when, where or how to use the cameras.

Mary Mast Released On Bond Following Court Hearing On Tuesday

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The mother of a 4-year-old girl found beaten to death at her home in Benton County is out of jail.

Online records show Mary Mast posted a half-million dollar bond Tuesday after appearing in court.

Mast will have to wear an ankle bracelet with a GPS tracking device and her attorney says she’ll be living with her sister-in-law.

Mary’s attorney John Rodgers tells KY 3 TV says she’s a victim in this case as well.

“Ethan made Mary take all of her clothes off, they cut her hair. James and Ethan and Kourtney made her pee and drink it. They burned Mary with a lighter. They made Mary sleep in a chicken coop. Ethan and Kourtney, if that wasn’t bad enough, sexually assaulted Mary.”

He says when the dust settles, people will know the truth.

“When the general public understands the torture that Mary has endured, I think there will be even more sympathy for the defense and especially for Mary in this case.”

Mast’s husband, James, is out of jail also wearing an ankle bracelet after posting a bond of $500-hundred thousand dollars.

Jessica Mast was found beaten to death in December and investigators say neighbors Ethan Mast and Kourtney Aumen had been beating Mary, Jessica and a 2-year-old child because they said they all had demons inside them.

Ethan Mast and Aumen are facing second-degree murder charges in the case.

Iowa Man Pleads Guilty To BWI In Death Of Local Racer Jason Russell

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An Iowa man has pleaded guilty for boating while intoxicated in a boat crash back in June of 2019, that claimed the life of local race car driver Jason Russell.

According to court documents, Kelly Wise of Atlantic Iowa entered the plea without a plea agreement with the state.

The court has ordered Wise to spend 30 days in jail in “shock time” followed by 2 years of probation.

Jason Russell of Eugene was a weekly competitor at Lake Ozark speedway and he was riding in his 1990 Formula boat with his friend Bradley Siebeneck, when it was stuck along the side by Wise.

At the time, the Highway Patrol reported that Wise had a blood alcohol level of .184 when he arrived at the hospital.

Osage Beach Police Made Two Arrests At The End Of January

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The Osage Beach Police Department’s reporting two arrests made during the final week of January.

Bonnie Jean Lewis of Eldon was arrested for an outstanding warrant beyond Osage Beach.

Ryan Vansyoc of Camdenton was charged with resisting arrest and he had a warrant from outside Osage Beach.

There were 12 traffic stops made, seven vehicle checks, three reports of fraud, seven reports of disturbance and two calls for animal control.

Six people called 9-1-1 and hung up.

 

WEEKLY SUMMARY_NEWS RELEASE 20210125_20210131

Mother Of 4-Year Old Who Died From Severe Beatings To Be In Bond Court Tuesday

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The mother of four-year-old Jessica Mast, who died as a of a result of a severe beating, will be in court Tuesday for a bond hearing.

Mary Mast’s husband James, was recently released on a $500,000 Bond and advocates fear she may also be released.

“Put’s a fear of doubt in me that Mary, on Tuesday, to me….she’s probably going to get bond.” – “Jessica needs justice, and our Judge letting the father out on bond? That’s not cool.”

Speaking to KY 3 TV Tiffini Hill and Stephanie Young with Child Advocacy Against Pedophilia say the eyes of the nation are watching Benton County.

“Children do not have a voice. Especially abused children. Everybody should be outraged that this happen.”

Mary Mast, along with her husband, stated they and their children received severe beatings from their neighbors, Kourtney Aumen and Ethan Mast, who were attempting to beat a “demon” from the mother and the little girl.

The child was found by Benton Deputies wrapped in a blanket after being submerged in a pond and left to freeze.

The Warsaw Chapter of Guardians of the Children, an organization that supports kids who are abused, says the plan to attend Tuesday’s court hearing.

Rocky Mount Woman Faces DWI Charges After Totaling SUV

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A Rocky Mount woman is accused of driving while intoxicated after a crash in Morgan County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol says 33-year-old Shanea Mitchell was driving on Route Y Saturday afternoon when her SUV went off the left side of the road and flipped over.

The SUV was totaled and she was taken by ambulance to Lake Regional Hospital with moderate injuries.

Roach Man Faces Fraud Charges In LED Sign Business

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A Roach man is facing fraud charges after selling LED signs to business owners in the Lake Area, but never delivering them.

According to the Camden County Sheriff’s office, 54-year-old Eric Sutton was working under the assumed company name of LED Sign Corp LLC, and was wanted for similar felony fraud charges in the St. Louis area.

“We are seeking the public’s assistance in locating any other fraud this gentleman’s been involved with around the lake, so that we can go ahead and wrap this up.”

Captain Chris Twitchel tells KRMS News they believe only business owners were targeted by Sutton.

“Judging from the amount of money that was frauded, several people were frauded over $20,000 each, so I would say they are large signs for the front of their buildings.”

Sutton was later picked up on the St. Louis area warrants by deputies in Miller County, and is currently being held with no bond.

The Sheriff’s office is asking for any other businesses that may have been defrauded by Sutton to come forward this week.

 

***PRESS RELEASE***

On 01/20/21, investigators began to receive multiple reports of fraud. Investigators learned a male subject had been selling LED signs to multiple business owners at the lake and then not delivering the product. Multiple victims are currently involved, and others are believed to have not reported the fraud yet. Through the investigation a suspect was developed by the name of Eric Sutton age 54 of Roach, Missouri. Sutton is working under the assumed company called LED Sign Corp. LLC. Sutton was currently wanted for similar felony charges out of Jefferson County and St. Charles County Missouri.

We are asking for the public’s assistance in locating any further victims of this crime.  If you suspect you have been a victim of this case, please contact the Camden County Sheriff’s Office to report it so we can continue the case. The investigation is currently ongoing, and charges are pending. Sutton was later arrested on his warrants and remains at the Miller County Sheriff’s Office on no bond.

Luetkemeyer Reintroduces Legislation Against The Sale Of Infant Body Parts

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Missouri Congressman Blaine Luetkemeyer is re-introducing legislation that targets trafficking of infant body parts for profit.

The Protecting Life and Integrity In Research Act prohibits the Secretary of Health And Human Services, who authorizes the National Institutes of Health research programs, from conducting or supporting research using human fetal tissue obtained from an induced abortion.

Luetkemeyer calls the sale of infant body parts “deeply disturbing and absolutely disgraceful” and indicates that this bill “ensures taxpayer monies will never be used for it.”

 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, Congressman Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-03) reintroduced the Protecting Life and Integrity in Research Act which targets the practice of trafficking infant body parts for profit and ensures taxpayers never have to foot the bill for the endangerment of human life.

“The fact that an organization has profited from the sale of infant body parts is deeply disturbing and absolutely disgraceful. As a member of Congress, it is my responsibility to protect the most vulnerable among us and be a responsible steward of taxpayer dollars,” said Congressman Luetkemeyer. “My bill ensures taxpayer funded research will never be used for the horrific practice of trafficking infant body parts for profit and the endangerment of human life.”

 

Background:

This bill will prohibit the Secretary of Health and Human Services, who authorizes National Institutes of Health research, from conducting or supporting any research involving human fetal tissue that is obtained pursuant to an induced abortion. This prohibition will not prevent research on stillbirth and miscarriage tissue.

The United States has a long history of unethical experiments in the name of medical research involving human test subjects, aborted but still-living ex-utero infants, and more recently aborted fetal body parts commonly referred to as fetal tissue. These practices are highly unethical and quite often paid for with taxpayer funds. Planned Parenthood officials have admittedly changed abortion procedures to procure intact fetal baby parts for sale. These aborted baby parts are then purchased by tissue procurement business and sold “on demand” to researchers, some of which are federally funded. This disturbing business model has allowed abortion providers to profit from federally funded research.

Pro-Life groups supporting the legislation are the Susan B. Anthony List, March for Life Action, Family Research Council, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Eagle Forum, Heritage Action, Southern Baptist Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission.

Woman Found Dead In Montreal Believed To Have Suffered An Overdose

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The Camden County Sheriff’s Office is investigating what they believe is the overdose death of a woman whose body was found by a family member in her home in Montreal.

“We’d just been asking family members and talking with several people, and through some investigative work we learned that the female had had some controlled substance there on the property that we believe she had ingested.”

Captain Chris Twitchel tells KRMS News that substance wasn’t a typical mix.

“The substance was actually a substance mixed by the suspect, and it wasn’t just a controlled substance it was actually a substance mixed with several ingredients and that’s what led to the death of the individual, we believe.”

He says there are two people are now facing charges.

“The case is ongoing, we are still trying to work through some things that are going on, but we were able to get two people in custody based off some information from family members.”

The son of the victim, 24-year-old Derek Beck of Camdenton, is charged with 1st Degree Involuntary Manslaughter and is being held on $100-thousand dollars bond.

Beck’s girlfriend, 23-year-old Morgan Walters of Camdenton, is facing the same charge and she’s being held on $30-thousand dollars bond.

The name of the woman found dead has not yet been released.

 

***PRESS RELEASE***

 

On 01/19/21 deputies responded to South State Highway 7 in Montreal reference a death investigation involving an overdose. During the investigation it was learned, the victim’s son had supplied the decedent with a purported controlled substance that he had created from other illicit ingredients . This substance was believed to be the cause of death. As a result of interviews with the son and girlfriend of the son, both subjects were arrested.

Brandon Beck age 24 of Camdenton was charged with 1st Degree Involuntary Manslaughter and given a surety bond of $100,000.00.

Morgan Walters age 23 of Camdenton was charged with 1st Degree Involuntary Manslaughter and given a surety bond of $30,000.00.

Sunrise Beach Man Accused Of Arson To Have Preliminary Hearing In February

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A Preliminary hearing has been set for a Sunrise Beach man accused of Arson.

According to court documents, 33-year-old Mark Stripling is due in court on February 24th.

Stripling was arrested following an investigation into an apartment fire on North Business 5 in Camdenton back in October of 2020.

Investigators believe Stripling set the fire, then took several items from the apartment including a suit case.

Some of those items included numerous handguns.

Missouri Senator Looks To Push Bill To Make Blocking A Roadway A Felony

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Missouri Senator Rick Brattin is trying to pass a bill that would allow for the use of deadly force against protestors on private property.

According to a report, the bill was debated by a state Senate committee on Monday, and it would give immunity to people who “run over” protestors that are blocking traffic on a roadway.

It also makes those demonstrations that block traffic a felony crime.

Supporters of the bill say it is extremely dangerous to allow the blocking of traffic, especially when first responders need to get through for an emergency.

Those who oppose the bill says it could encourage a vigilantly mindset in the people who break the law.

 

Benton Residents Upset Over James Mast Being Released On Bail

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Residents in Benton County are upset after James Mast, the father of 4-year-old Jessica Mast who was killed after being severely beaten by her neighbors, was allowed out on a $500,000 bond.

      NEWS-01-25-2021 MAST REAX 1 - 25th January 2021

Speaking with KY 3 TV, resident Mariah Williams says several residents have come together to support Jessica and fight for her justice.

Mast’s attorney Scott Rosenblum says the court did the right thing.

      NEWS-01-25-2021 MAST REAX 2 - 25th January 2021

James Mast, along with his wife Mary and their neighbors Ethan Mast and Kourtney Aumen were all arrested after deputies found Jessica’s body wrapped in a blanket in her bedroom.

The child was beaten severely, submerged into a pond and left to freeze.

Investigators say the neighbors had been beating Jessica, James and Mary for several weeks because they had a “Demon” inside of them.

James is the only one of the four out on Bond and he is expected back in Court this March.

Morgan County Inmate Faces Assault Charge After Attack In Jail

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A Morgan County man has been charged with 1st-degree assault following an altercation at the county jail.

According to a report, inmate Buddy Griswold assaulted fellow inmate John Stafford, causing Stafford to be sent to University Hospital in Columbia for life-saving treatment.

Video surveillance shows Griswold walking into Stafford’s cell.

Officials say the fight was allegedly over rec time following the Sunday football game.

Investigators say Griswold indicated that he only hit Stafford “Three times” and it “Wasn’t very hard.”

Doctors say Stafford suffered a closed head fracture.

Miller County Sheriff Searching For Armed Robbery Suspect In Iberia

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An armed suspect is on the loose after a robbery in Iberia Thursday morning.

Deputies were called to the Eagle Stop after a masked person with a gun walked into the store and confronted an employee.

      NEWS-01-22-2021 ARMED ROBBERY 2 - 22nd January 2021

Miller County Sheriff Louie Gregoire tells KRMS News there were other people in the store at the time of the robbery.

      NEWS-01-22-2021 ARMED ROBBERY 3 - 22nd January 2021

Sheriff Gregoire says they have a few tips in the case, but nothing to move on.

If you have any information about who the masked person might be, you’re asked to contact the Miller County Sheriff’s Office immediately.

miller armed robbery iberia

Father Of 4-Year-Old Who Died Due To Abuse Released On Bail With GPS Tracker

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The father of a 4-year-old Lincoln girl, who died following severe abuse, is heading home with a GPS tracker.

On Tuesday, the Benton County Court granted James Mast’s bail at $500,000, but he’s required to wear an ankle bracelet and he cannot go anywhere but home and the courthouse.

Mast, his wife Mary and their neighbors, Ethan Mast and Kourtney Aumen, we are all taken into custody after the child, Jessica, was found dead in her bedroom wrapped in a blanket.

It was later discovered that the child and the family were being abused by the neighbors, because they believed they had “demons” in them.

4-year-old Jessica had been severely beaten, submerged into a pond and left to freeze before being brought back to the house where she later died.

All four individuals are facing numerous felony charges.

31 New Troopers Added To Highway Patrol Following Graduation Ceremony

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The state of Missouri now has 31 more troopers after a graduation ceremony Wednesday.

Governor Mike Parson read the keynote address to the 110th Recruit class.

      NEWS-01-21-2021 MSHP GRADUATES - 21st January 2021

Governor Parson spoke during a press briefing at the state capitol.

One of those new graduates, Andrew Gordon, will be headed to Troop F, which covers Lake of the Ozarks.

Applications for the 112th Recruit Class are being accepted right now and the deadline to apply is February 1st.

 

EMPHASIS: 31 New Troopers Graduated From The Missouri State Highway Patrol Law Enforcement Academy

Colonel Eric T. Olson, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, announces that 31 troopers graduated from the Patrol’s Law Enforcement Academy today, Wednesday, January 20, 2021. The ceremony was by invitation only due to the coronavirus guidelines; however, it was made available to the public and the media live via the Patrol’s Facebook page Facebook.com/motrooper. The graduation ceremony began at 10 a.m. The 110th Recruit Class reported to the Academy on August 3, 2020. The new troopers report for duty in their assigned troops on February 16, 2021.

Missouri Governor Mike Parson provided the keynote address. First Lady Teresa Parson also attended the event. Col. Olson addressed the class during the graduation. The Honorable Cotton Walker, 19th Judicial Circuit Civil Judge, state of Missouri, administered the Oath of Office to the new troopers. Provost Roger K. McMillian, vice president of College Affairs for Mineral Area College, conferred an associate of applied science degree to 12 of the new troopers. Trooper Cole P. Justice, 110th Recruit Class, sang the national anthem. Trooper Zachary L. Ricker, 110th Recruit Class chaplain, provided the invocation and benediction.

Four class awards were presented. The recruits accumulated points toward graduation in the categories of physical fitness, firearms, and academics throughout their 25 weeks at the Academy. The person with the highest number of points in each category earned the respective award. Trooper Samuel S. Base accepted the Physical Fitness Award. Trooper Zachary T. Costley accepted the Academics Award. Trooper David T. Craig accepted the Firearms Award. Trooper Alex C. Philipps accepted the Superintendent’s Award, which is presented to the person with the most points overall.

The names (hometowns) and first assignments of members of the 110th Recruit Class are listed below:

Troop A
John P. Blinkinsop (Joplin, MO), Zone 5, Ray/Carroll Counties
Derek M. Bradshaw (St. James, MO), Zone 11, Cass County
David T. Craig (Nixa, MO), Zone 7, Jackson County
Michael A. Ebeling (Iberia, MO), Zone 12, Johnson County
Samuel L. Edwards (Springfield, MO), Zone 12, Johnson County
Hazen J. Groves (Jefferson City, MO), Zone 15, Henry County
Matthew J. Hickman (Wheaton, MO), Zone 15, Henry County
Jackson D. Hood (Springfield, MO), Zone 12, Johnson County
Tristen D. Jackson (Sedalia, MO), Zone 10, Saline County

Troop B
Cole T. Hinshaw (Shelbyville, MO), Zone 6, Clark/Scotland Counties
Nicholas C. Keller (Philadelphia, MO), Zone 4, Putnam/Sullivan Counties
Cody J. Snyder (Kirksville, MO), Zone 4, Putnam/Sullivan Counties

Troop C
Kyle G. Barba (Lakewood, CA), Zone 1, North St. Louis County
Zachariah P. Beckerman (Jackson, MO), Zone 12, Jefferson County
Thomas W. Brewer (Belle, MO), Zone 13, Jefferson County
Delandis O. Gillespie (Charleston, MO), Zone 2, North St. Louis County
Bradley T. Gregory (Jonesburg, MO), Zone 1, North St. Louis County
Cameron L. Kurtzman (Chesterfield, MO), Zone 12, Jefferson County
Eric J. McBride (St. Clair, MO), Zone 9, St. Charles County
Rudo K. Stone Jr. (Chicago, IL), Zone 2, North St. Louis County

Troop D
Zachary T. Costley (Lamar, MO), Zone 15, Stone/Taney Counties

Troop E
John M. Tomaszewski (Sikeston, MO), Zone 10, Dunklin County

Troop F
Andrew M. Gordon (Montgomery City, MO), Zone 4, Audrain County

Troop G
Landon C. Pruiett (Braggadocio, MO), Zone 6, South Howell/Oregon Counties
Zachary L. Ricker (Van Buren, MO), Zone 8, Carter/Reynolds Counties
William A. Wadlington (Oran, MO), Zone 5, Douglas/Ozark Counties

Troop H
Samuel S. Base (Coffeyville, KS), Zone 1, Atchison/Holt Counties
Benjamin L. Gregory (Jonesburg, MO), Zone 3, Harrison/Gentry Counties
Cole P. Justice (Smithville, MO), Zone 2, Nodaway/Worth Counties

Troop I
Keaton P. Hunt (Rolla, MO), Zone 1, Phelps/Maries Counties
Alex C. Philipps (Jackson, MO), Zone 4, Pulaski/Maries Counties

Miller County Man Faces Charges In Alleged Kidnapping And Assault

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A Miller County man is facing charges for allegedly kidnapping and assaulting a woman.

Court documents show that Roger Wimberly of Kaiser and the woman were together on Sunday and when she tried to leave, Wimberley stopped her and attempted to strangle her.

Investigators say she was able to reach her car, but couldn’t find her keys.

Wimberly indicated that he would “unlock the car” but was going to put the women back inside the home until he “Knew what to do with her.”

That’s when investigators say Wimberley took a shotgun, pointed it at her face and pushed her through a window.

Wimberley faces charges of Kidnapping, Domestic Assault and Armed Criminal Action.

Special Prosecutor In Camden County Altercation To Be Selected By MO Attorney General

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A special prosecutor’s being requested by Camden County Prosecutor Heather Miller after an altercation between county maintenance workers and First District Commissioner James Gohagan in a county office building.

And Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt will be involved in selecting that special prosecutor.

      NEWS-01-20-2021 SPECIAL PROSECUTOR 1 - 20th January 2021

Camden County Sheriff Tony Helms.

He tells KRMS News he doesn’t think the special prosecutor has been named yet.

Audio of the altercation between a group of county maintenance workers and Gohagan went viral earlier this month.

We’ve learned Melvin Miller and Dean Duran are two of the workers under investigation.

We’ll pass along more details on the story as they become available.

Man Wanted For Felony Warrants In Miller And Pulaski County Captured By HWP

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A wanted man’s in jail on no bond in Miller County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol says 23-year-old Coby Glore was arrested Sunday morning after investigators found he had felony warrants out of Miller and Pulaski Counties.

The ‘Patrol says Glore had failed to appear on both warrants related to possession of methamphetamine.

Names Of Camden County Workers Involved In Gohagan Altercation Released Via Sunshine Request

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We now know the names of two individuals involved in the altercation with Camden County First District Commissioner James Gohagan two weeks ago.

According to a Sunshine Release, county workers Melvin Miller and Dean Duran were suspended with pay, until further investigation.

The two workers were allegedly heard on a viral video saying threatening words towards Mr. Gohagan, as he attempted to enter the commission office buildings to begin his day at work.

      NEWS-01-18-2021 NAMES RELEASED 2 - 18th January 2021

Gohagan says after that, he yanked his hand back and ended up cutting it on the wall.

The argument was apparently over photos taken inside the new office buildings, showing several safety hazards.

That prompted the City of Camdenton to reach out to the Commission, to offer a safety inspection and to remind the Commissioners that they need permits to do any construction.

Now, a special prosecutor has been requested as Mr. Gohagan has decided to press charges.

      NEWS-01-18-2021 NAMES RELEASED 1 - 18th January 2021

Camden County Sheriff Tony Helms says their investigation into the altercation continues and they’re awaiting details on who that special prosecutor will be.

MO Highway Patrol Applications Still Being Accepted Until February 1st Deadline

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The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s looking for a few good men – and women – to join the force.

The deadline to apply is coming up February 1.

      NEWS-01-15-2021 PATROL RECRUITING 1 - 15th January 2021

Trooper Brian Geier with the ‘Patrol.

He tells KRMS News you can apply online at http://mo-trooper.com.

      NEWS-01-15-2021 PATROL RECRUITING 2 - 15th January 2021

Starting pay for a Missouri Highway Patrol Trooper is more than 49-thousand dollars per year.

The 112th Recruit Class begins training in August.

 

 

EMPHASIS: Missouri State Highway Patrol Seeking Applicants For 112th Recruit Class

The Missouri State Highway Patrol, a premier law enforcement agency, is testing for new troopers. The Patrol is encouraging qualified individuals of all backgrounds to apply, and will offer testing at nine different locations in Missouri. Those who successfully complete testing will be eligible to continue in the selection process for the 112th Recruit Class, scheduled to begin training on August 2, 2021. The application deadline has been extended to February 1, 2021.

To be eligible, candidates must possess a minimum of 30 college credit hours from an accredited college/university or served in any component of the United States Armed Forces, including National Guard, for a minimum of two years, with an honorable discharge if separated, or a minimum of two years’ experience as a full-time POST-certified peace officer when recruit training begins.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol has updated its uniform guidelines to allow troopers to have tattoos or brands as long as they meet two requirements: 1) The tattoos or brands cannot depict or support criminal behavior, drug usage, nudity, profanity, promiscuity, subversive groups, bigotry, etc. 2) Tattoos/brands cannot be located on the head, neck, hands, wrists, or any part of the body which would be visible during movements in the performance of their duties while wearing an official uniform or civilian attire. Troopers with tattoos on the arms that would be visible in the class B uniform (short sleeves) will wear the class A uniform (long sleeves).

The starting annual salary for trooper is $49,536, and following three years of service, the trooper first class’ salary is increased to $52,200. Other benefits include group health insurance, contributory retirement, career advancement, and more.

The selection process is a multi-phase testing procedure including: written examination, a physical fitness for duty assessment, polygraph examination, background investigation, and oral interview board. Written and physical examinations take place in each troop area across the state. After a conditional offer of employment, the applicant must successfully complete a medical examination (to include vision and hearing), psychological examination, a psychological interview, drug screening, and final applicant review.

Interested persons can find out more about the qualifications by contacting a Patrol recruiter at telephone number 1-800-796-7000, or may apply online at www.motrooper.com.

The number of successful candidates being extended an offer of employment is contingent upon factors such as budget constraints and the number of vacant positions statewide.

MSHP IS AN EEO EMPLOYER M/F

Sheriff’s Office Offers Update On Charges Filed In Altercation With County Commissioner And County Employees

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The Camden County Sheriff’s Office is offering details on charges being filed after an altercation between County Commissioner James Gohagan and several county maintenance workers.

      NEWS-01-14-2021 CHARGES 1 - 15th January 2021

Camden County Sheriff Tony Helms tells KRMS News details on charges against a second maintenance worker will be finalized soon and that the coming special prosecutor may or may not recommend additional charges.

      NEWS-01-14-2021 CHARGES 2 - 15th January 2021

Gohagan recorded more than an hour of the exchange between himself, the maintenance workers and two Camden County Commissioners last week.

Presiding Commissioner Greg Hasty Speaks Out About Issues At The Camden County Commission

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Camden County Presiding Commissioner Greg Hasty released this “letter to the editor” regarding recent issues that have hit the Commission, including “Gravel Gate” and the recent altercation between county employees and the newly elected First District Commissioner James Gohagan.
From Presiding Commissioner Greg Hasty:
THE SOCIAL MEDIA WITCH TRIALS OF CAMDEN COUNTY
The Salem witch trials were a series of hearings and prosecutions of people accused of witchcraft between February 1692 and May 1693. Many ordinary people were accused. Thirty were found guilty, nineteen of whom were executed. The people of the community fed on gossip and rumors, creating an atmosphere of hate and unfounded accusations. Gossip and false witness resulted in chaos, and ultimately death.
There is a reason why “Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour” is one of the top ten on God’s list. It is grouped right in with murder.
Fast-forward 328 years. In Camden County now, the exact same situation is occurring. A group of individuals is fueling mass hysteria in our community. Continuous attacks have been occurring for a period of the last two years, denigrating and maligning dozens of individuals.
This is mainly being done to further their own personal agenda, or attack their personal enemies. I am sickened by what I have seen over the last two years. I am not sure what, if anything can be done about it. When people in our county are publicly humiliating decorated military veterans, and Native Americans, it needs to be addressed.
I am the Presiding Commissioner of Camden County. It is a part of my job to lead this county in a safe direction for the welfare of all citizens. This past year, under incredibly difficult circumstances, our county has not only survived, but also thrived. None of these social media accusers had any part of the decision-making process that lead to that result.
As Presiding Commissioner, it falls on me to make a stand, founded on the principals of freedom and justice. However, I am just one man.
There is a group of people on a couple of social media sites that are “bearing false witness against their neighbor” on a daily basis. If the people of our community do not make a stand against false accusations, humiliation, and denigration of folks just trying to do their job, the result will be sad for our community. This is a poison on our community.
Recently, a situation occurred on Camden County Grounds regarding employees. An investigation is under way.
As Presiding Commissioner, I am asking our community to be patient, and let the rule of law guide us. Employees have rights, under State and Federal Law, and in accordance with the Camden County Employee Handbook. Neither myself, nor Commissioner Williams, will be making any comments regarding this until the investigation is complete.
Greg Hasty
Camden County Presiding Commissioner

FBI Warns Of Possible Armed Protests At MO State Capital / Local Level Offices Possible

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They’re making preparations in Jefferson City to keep the State Capitol building safe, following a warning from the FBI.

In the warning, the FBI says “Armed Protest” could be in the works for Missouri and the 49 other states in the Union, as we approach President-Elect Joe Biden’s inauguration.

      NEWS-01-12-2021 CAPITOL PROTECTION - 12th January 2021

Speaking at his recent press conference, Governor Mike Parson says the state will be on alert in case something does go down.

The FBI report says local, state and federal government courthouses and administrative buildings could also be targeted.