Attorney General Files Petition To Have Christian County Assessor Removed From Office:

Attorney General Chris Koster has filed a petition known as a quo warranto to remove Christian County Assessor Sandra Bryant-Littles from her elected position.

Last October Bryant-Littles was arrested at her office after a grand jury returned a sealed indictment alleging that she had committed 4 counts of mail fraud and failed to accurately assess she and her husband's personal property.

Since Christian County Associate Circuit Judge Mark Orr has recused himself from the case the state Supreme Court will have to appoint a special judge to rule on the petition.

The spokeswoman for the AG's office Nanci Gonder says that judge will then decide if Bryant-Littles should immediately be removed from office or if it would be in a determined amount of day-- usually 10 days or less after rulings.

Gonder said Koster decided to proceed with the petition because evidence indicates that Bryant-Littles violated her oath of office to assess all personal property by failing to assess her own.

The attorney general’s petition states that “During an investigation, (Bryant-Littles) admitted she was aware of these inaccuracies and discrepancies and knowingly submitted assessment lists that she knew to be false and incomplete.”

For that reason, the petition reads, the Bryant-Littles’ “violation of her oath of office and known duties results in the ‘automatic forfeiture of (her) office,’” and her “misconduct in the instant case mandates her removal from office.”

Bryant-Littles and her husband, Lonnie Utah Littles, own Poco Cala Ranch in Clever. Lonnie Littles and a ranch hand of the couples, Jesse Rice were indicted by a federal grand jury for conspiracy to commit bank fraud for an allegedly scheme to bilk the Little's insurance company for a bogus cattle theft in February of 2009.

Lonnie Littles is also facing two federal charges of bank fraud.

Jesse Rice pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud on February 11, 2010. He is currently awaiting sentencing.

Bryant-Littles and Lonnie Littles pleaded not guilty to the charges filed against them in November. Their trials are scheduled for late April.

BREAKING~~DEVELOPING~~NIXA MAYOR IMPEACHED:

Brian Hayes

By a vote of 4 to 2 the mayor of Nixa was impeached tonight, a direct result of him pleading guilty to drunk driving last week.

Ward 1 Alderman Michael Durbin initially called for the removal of mayor Brian Hayes last June after Christian County prosecutor Ron Cleek charged him with misdemeanor driving while intoxicated.

Hayes was driving home from an outing on the lake when he was pulled over by a city policeman on suspicion of DWI. Once the cop realized whom he had pulled over, and because Hayes as mayor is his direct supervisor, he immediately asked that the Highway Patrol take over the investigation.

Following Hayes' guilty plea last week, Durbin renewed his effort to see that the mayor was removed from office "for specifically violating three of six provisions in the city ordinances which outline the grounds for removal from office . Durbin says the mayor was guilty of culpable negligence or dereliction of duty, willful misconduct in office, and an act inconsistent with official duty or character.

Michael Durbin

Supporting Durbin in the impeachment of Hayes were Ward 3 alderman Kevin Elmer; Ward 2 alderman Steve Tallaksen and Ward 2 alderwoman Barb Stillings. The dissenting votes came from Ward 1 alderman Kyle Vogel and Ward 3 alderman Charles McCorkle.

Durbin says, "Brian devoted a lot of time to our community-- this is not a performance review....it's a reflection of what he did."

Barb Stillings, asthe mayor pro tem, will serve out the last remaining 5 weeks of Hayes' term.

Hayes is running for reelection on April 6, 2010, and will face several challengers in the mayoral race. One of those challengers is Steve Tallaksen, one of the alderman that voted to impeach Hayes.

Vendor Allegedly Stole $500,000 From Bass Pro Shops(P/C Included):

The Springfield police department and Greene County prosecutors are investigating the alleged embezzlement of nearly a half-million dollars from Bass Pro Shops in Springfield.

Lt. David Millsap says the owner of The Little Glass Shack inside the sporting goods giants flagship store allegedly doctored receipts that he said the company owed him.

As part of the deal to have the shop inside the store, the owner, Eugene Lee Black, agreed that Bass Pro was entitled to 20% of the sales. Over the last seven years Black allegedly inflated the amount of sales that were reported.

Millsap says that an internal audit was conducted and the misappropriation uncovered. Black was charged this afternoon (02-25-10) with felony theft of $25,000 or more.

According to Millsap, "Say the actual sales might be $395, he'd tell Bass Pro he made $1,395--Bass Pro would take their 20% out of the $1,395 and he would pocket the rest."

The company spokesman for Bass Pro Shops, Larry Whiteley, says "it is an ongoing investigation, and we don't comment on ongoing investigations."

Elementary School Janitor In Webster County Charged With Child Molestation:

Phillip Lawson Ingalsbe

A school janitor at Shook Elementary in Marshfield has been charged with molesting a 10 year-old female student.

Webster County Prosecutor Danette Padgett charged Phillip Lawson Ingalsbe, 51, of Niangua, today with felony child molestation.

According to the probable cause statement, last December a teacher reported to the school principal that she observed one of her students leave the janitor's room from which the door had been closed. The little girl told staff members that Ingalsbe took her to the janitor's room and closed the door. She said that while they were inside Ingalsbe allegedly put his hand inside her shirt and touched her chest, kissed her on the lips and neck, hugged her and slipped his hand inside the back of her pants.

The principal called the superintendent of the district and the districts maintenance director who called Ingalsbe into the Principal's office where the man admitted that he had inappropriately touched the little girl.

Attorney Joe Passanise

Online court records show Ingalsbe was formally arraigned today in Webster County. Prosecutors had asked that his bond be set at $100,000, but Ingalsbe’s attorney, Joe Passanise, made a motion for a bond reduction. Judge Kenneth Thompson granted the motion and set Ingalsbe's bond at $50,000, with stipulations that he have no contact with the alleged victim or other children and stay away from all school property.

Ingalsbe was released from the Webster County jail after posting $50,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court on April 5, 2010.

If he's convicted, Ingalsbe could face between 5 to 15 years in prison.

https://www.courts.mo.gov/casenet/base/welcome.do

10WE-CR00158 - ST V PHILIP LAWSON INGALSBE

Former Special Ed Teacher Found Guilty Of Child Molestation:

Michael Hungerford

A jury has found a former special education teacher from Forsyth has been found guilty of child molestation.

Michael Hungerford, 54, Powersite, was charged with child molestation in December of 2008 after allegations surfaced that he inappropriately touched a little girl who was a student of his at Forsyth Middle School in October of the same year.

Hungerford, who had been a longtime employee of the school district, was immediately placed on leave when allegations of the impropriety surfaced. He tendered his resignation several days later.

Attorney Steve Meier is representing Hungerford who could receive anywhere from 5 to 15 years when he is scheduled on May 11, 2010.

The case was moved from Taney County to Christian County on a change of venue.

Suspected Baby Killer Formally Arraigned, Pleads Not Guilty:

The father of an eight-month-old little boy from Carthage that was found dead in the Spring River was formally arraigned this morning (02-25-10) on second-degree murder charges today and has pleaded not guilty.

Eddie Salazar Sr., 29, told cops that two masked men broke into his house on February 4th, beat him up and kidnapped his son Eddie Salazar Jr.

A statewide Amber Alert was active for two days while hundreds of law enforcers and volunteers searched for baby Eddie. The elder Salazar admitted to cops that he made the story up and told them where they would find the baby.

Medical Examiners say the little boy died from blunt force trauma to the head.

Salazar made his court appearance via video link from the Jasper County jail and was appointed a public defender.

Salazar, who is also charged with filing a false police report connected to baby Eddie's disappearance, is scheduled to appear on March 17, 2010.

Camden County's Most Wanted Fugitive Profiled On America's Most Wanted Captured:

Camden County's most wanted fugitive, who was profiled last week on America's Most Wanted, has been captured in Hot Springs, Arkansas.

Fifty year-old Larry Arbuckle had been on the run since October of 2009 after he was charged with allegedly sexually assaulting a 27 year-old mentally handicapped woman and her two year-old little boy.

Corporal McCrary Means with the Hot Springs police department says that a tipster called a little after 7 p.m. on Tuesday February 23, 2010, and told cops where they could find the fugitive. Arbuckle was arrested at a residence in Garland County and taken into custody without incident.

Arbuckle's most recent mug shot

Arbuckle has waived extradition back to Missouri to face first degree child molestation, forcible sodomy, forcible rape, sexual assault, deviate sexual assault and two counts of first degree statutory sodomy.

What makes the crimes even more heinous is that Arbuckle reportedly smoked pot with the woman and gave her Viagra in her already diminished mental state.

The victims 7 year-old son is the one who told cops about Arbuckle's alleged crimes.

Camden County Detective Wendy Kost says that Arbuckle was featured on the AMW Wall of Shame on February 20th and believes that a viewer called police with the tip on where to find Arbuckle.

Coroner's Inquest Called For Brother's Drowning:

Jesse James (l) and Wyatt Earp Bagley

The coroner in Texas County has called for an inquest into the drowning deaths of two brothers from Licking last August.

Seven-year-old Jesse James Bagley and his brother, four-year-old Wyatt Earp Bagley, were found dead in the Big Piney River that runs behind the family's rented home.

A coroner's inquest is conducted in a trial like setting where the county coroner calls witnesses and is in charge of conducting the inquest.

In this case, Texas County Coroner Tom Whittaker will seat six Texas county residents to evidence in the case. Those people will decide if the drownings were an accident, negligence, or child endangerment for instance.

Texas County prosecutor Mike Anderson could file charges against the children's mother, Jennifer Bagley, the grandparents, or all of them who were home at the time the boys went missing depending on the outcome of the inquest.

Back in August, Texas County Sheriff Carl Watson said that the two brothers and their little sister, 3 year-old Belle Starr, were unsupervised and playing near the river when the boy's somehow got swept away.

The little girl came home soaking wet and told the grown ups that her brothers were in the river, "At the least they were negligent," Watson said at the time.

Searchers combed the area around the house and the river for over twelve hours before the boys were located about 7 a.m. in the river.

The inquest is scheduled for Friday, March 12 at 9:00 a.m.

Investigation Into Missing Money From Springfield Little Theatre Underway:

Springfield Little Theatre has turned over documents related to the discovery of about $11,000 missing from the box office to police.

The funds were allegedly taken from a separate account not related to the Theatre’s general operating account or its accounts for grant funds, donor contributions or development campaigns.

The misappropriation came to light in late January after unexplained discrepancies were noted during the preparation of the Theatre’s regular financial reports. An internal investigation was launched, and within just a few days the method used and the individual believed to be responsible were discovered.

The SLT board of directors voted to terminate the individual believed to be responsible, and will file a claim with their insurance company to recoup the missing money.

Shots Fired In Road Rage Incident Leads To Felony Charges For Oklahoma Man-- (Probable Cause) Included:

Jeffrey Payton

A man from Tulsa who allegedly fired at least three shots at an 18-wheeler traveling 70 m.p.h. on I-44 early this morning (02-22-10) is facing several felony charges related to the incident in Lawrence County.

Authorities say Jeffrey D. Payton, 50, was pulled over at 9: 26 a.m., February 22 on the western edge of Springfield near West Bypass and I-44.

In the probable cause statement police note that Payton and the truck driver, Thomas Lee Howlett, flipped each other off near Mt. Vernon and that's what sparked the road rage incident that thankfully ended with no one getting hurt .

The probable cause statement says that Howlett told investigators, "A car came onto the highway in front of me. He was kind of close, but not super close. I took off my cruise and backed ofr. He (Payton) threw a couple of fountain drinks out the window at me. He moved overand I set my cruise back on 70. As I passed him he flipped me off and I flipped him ofl' back. I got into the right lane and he pulled out to pass me. He got up beside me and I thought he was going to flip me off again. All of a sudden he started shooting at my truck. He fired three times and hit my truck all three times."

Payton says that Howlett was tailgating him and that he slowed down and let him pass and then pulled alongside him and tried to shoot out his tires.

Highway Patrol Sgt. Dan Bracker tells the Ozarks Sentinel/Tri-County Sentinel that, "Road rage on the part of the driver of the car (Payton) appears to be the reason behind the shooting." He goes on to say, "The driver of the 18-wheeler was eastbound and thought he heard a shot. Once the rig was stopped we did find evidence on the rim that contact had been made and recovered a weapon believed to have been used in the incident."

Payton's has been impounded to be processed for evidence. "We also recovered a weapon from Mr. Payton's person (shirt pocket) that we believe was used in the incident" says Bracker.

Lawrence County Sheriff Brad Delay says, "We are holding the suspect at our facility because we believe it happened here (Lawrence County)."

Payton has been charged with second-degree assault, unlawful use of a weapon and armed criminal action. His bond has been set at $100,000.

The irony to this story is that Payton is also an over the road truck driver.

Click here For probable cause and charging documents.

*****Greg Brock contributed to this story

Testimony Underway In Special Ed Teacher Charged With Child Molestation:

Testimony is underway in the trial of a former special education teacher from Forsyth charged with child molestation.

Taney County prosecutor Jeff Merrell charged Michael Hungerford, 54, in December of 2008 with inappropriately touching a little girl who was a student of Hungerford's in October of the same year.

Hungerford had been a longtime employee of the school district and was immediately placed on leave when allegations of the impropriety surfaced. He tendered his resignation several days later.

Attorney Steve Meier is representing Hungerford.

Neosho Man Charged With Assault For Allegedly Shaking Girlfriends Baby Into Coma:

Levi Earl Burdge

A man from rural Neosho man has been charged with first-degree assault for allegedly shaking his girlfriends baby into a coma on February 10, 2010.

Twenty-one year-old Levi Early Burdge told investigators with the Newton County Sheriff's Office that he was watching the four-month-old little girl and that she was fussy from teething.

Burdge told cops that he was rubbing the baby girl's gums with ice and that the ice cube slipped from his hands and fell down her throat, and he began shaking her to dislodge it.

Doctor's treating the infant say her injuries are consistent with those of shaken baby syndrome. One of the physicians treating her says she has an old brain injury that was likely caused from being shaken.

Newton County Sheriff Ken Copeland says, there is a possibility that the baby girl could suffer from blindness or may not ever be able to walk or talk as a result of her injuries.

Burdge posted $50,000 bond. Online court records do not say when he will next appear in court.

Carnahan Murder Trial Could Begin In September 2010:

A new tentative trial date has been set for the man accused of killing a Nixa beauty queen twenty five years-age.

Gerald Carnahan, who was always the chief suspect in the 1985 murder of Jackie Johns, was charged with her death in August of 2007 after a Highway Patrol allegedly matched DNA found on the woman's body to Carnahan's.

There have been numerous delays in getting the case to trial, the latest is because Carnahan's attorney, Dee Wampler, is fighting kidney and prostate cancer.

Greene County prosecutor Darrell Moore and Wampler's partner, Joe Passaniese, had a teleconference with Judge Jamison today and settled on a tentative September 13th trial setting.

A firm date should be announced sometime next week.

Darrell Moore would like to see this case go to trial before the end of the year citing Les Johns, Jackies father's, failing health and the fact that he will no longer be in office as he is seeking Congressman Roy Blunt's congressional seat.

BREAKING NEWS---PETER NEWMAN PLEADS GUILTY TO SEX CRIMES INVOLVING KIDS:

Peter "Pete" Newman

The former camp counselor at Kanakuk Kamp who prayed with and preyed on young boys has pleaded guilty to several sex crimes against underage kids.

Peter D. "Pete" Newman pleaded guilty yesterday (02-18-10) to two counts of statutory sodomy in the first degree, three counts of statutory sodomy in the second degree, and three counts of enticement of a child.

One part of the investigative report filed with the charges gives an insight into how Newman enticed these kids. If they masturbated with him, or performed sex acts on him, it wouldn't be a sin:

"Between 2005 and 2008, Pete Newman became a close friend of his by attending family dinners, sleepovers, bible studies, taking vacations together and writing letters. Pete would hold one-on-one sessions with (the boy) in Pete's hot tub (at Pete's residence) and would request they be naked. Pete would discuss life's struggles with (him) and talk about masturbation. Pete would explain that if (the boy) would masturbate with him in his hot tub then there would be no lust and therefore (the boy) would not be sinning."

Some charges were dropped against Newman who was charged last September with multiple sex crimes involving underage boys were campers at the Branson based Christian youth camp in exchange for the guilty plea.

Several parents have contacted me via my blog or email address at the Ozark Sentinel concerned about the embarrassment and stigma attached with being the victim of a pedophile. Newman's guilty plea saves these boys the embarrassment of having to testify against a man that they at one time held in high esteem.

The victims of this case will be able to let Newman know how his acts have impacted their lives when they address the court at his sentencing hearing which is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. on April 30th.

Jeff Merrell

Taney County prosecutor Jeff Merrell says "Newman pleaded guilty without a plea agreement from my office. There was no offer on a capped sentence," Merrell says. "The maximum sentence he could receive is somewhere around 171 years and the minimum would be 5 years."

The state of Colorado will likely extradite Newman to La Plata County after his sentencing. He is wanted there for another alleged sex crime against an underage boy who was a camper at Kanakuk's Colorado location.

Other states are also looking at Newman and his alleged illegal activity with boys in addition to Colorado.

Newman is being held without bond in the Taney County jail while he awaits sentencing.

Bluford Sentenced To Twenty-Five Years For Partner's Stabbing Death:

Gerald Bluford

A Christian County man will spend the next 25-years behind bars for slashing his partner to death after he "freaked out" in November of 2007 at the condominium the two shared in Nixa.

One of the witnesses, an emergency medical responder, testified that it was the bloodiest crime scene he'd ever seen in 17 years on the job.

Dr. Keith Norton testified that Bluford stabbed Eric Eidson 78 times and that a stab wound to the neck lacerated the jugular vein, ultimately causing the Eidson's death.

Bluford had been charged with second-degree murder but a Christian County jury convicted him last December 17th of the lesser included charge of manslaughter.

Judge Mark Orr ordered that the armed criminal action sentence be served consecutive to the manslaughter sentence. What that means is that Bluford will have to serve all 15 years before the other 10 year sentence for armed criminal action kicks in.

Bluford maintains that Eidson attacked him and he was defending himself. Attorney's for Bluford have filed an appeal.

UPDATED: Bomb Left In Backpack At Branson Landing; Suspect Facing Drug Charges:

Don M. Owens

A man who is being held on two drug warrants out of Florida is suspected of leaving a bomb in a backpack at Branson Landing early this morning (02-18-10.)

A security guard found Owens, 35, of Polk County, Fla., attempting to break into an ATM near Towne Square around midnight. When the guard approached the man bolted, leaving the backpack. Owens, who was accompanied by a woman from Missouri, fled into the Hilton Promenade hotel where the couple were staying.

Owens was charged with possession of a controlled substance (meth) in Taney County late Thursday afternoon afternoon. Taney County Prosecutor Jeff Merrell has also charged Owens as a prior and persistent drug offender.

The guard positively identified Owens from surveillance camera footage from inside the hotel.

A night auditor at the hotel told authorities she recognized the couple and pointed to the woman who was on a computer in the hotel lobby.

While the man and woman were being questioned, they told investigators that there was another explosive device in their car parked in a parking garage adjacent to Branson Landing.

Branson police officers removed the car from a nearby parking garage and have uncovered evidence that is "pertinent to the case" and could result in additional charges being filed.

The woman arrested with Owens has not yet been identified.

Jerry Adams, spokesman for the City of Branson, has confirmed that one explosive device was detonated by the bomb squad with the Springfield Fire Department early this morning in the parking lot of Bass Pro Shops on the south end of the Landing.

Springfield Fire Marshal Kevin Binam told The Ozarks Sentinel that the first device was made with cardboard tubes and that it had a fuse. Adams said that the "device" that was found in the car actually turned out to be firecrackers.

The car has been moved to an impound area as evidence and charges will be determined by the Taney County Prosecutor," Adams said. "The garage and Branson Landing Boulevard are open again and the Landing is open for business as usual."

A motive for the alleged attempted bombing has not been released yet and as of late this afternoon neither Owens or the unidentified woman have been charged with any crime related to the attempted bombing.

About ten hours after the incident started unfolding Branson Landing was open for business and the public was in no danger. "All of the people who work there have been allowed to go to work," Adams said.

Hilton Promenade Hotel at Branson Landing

Some guests staying at the hotel were moved for safety reasons because of the bomb scare.

The probable cause statement related to the drug charges filed against Owens in Taney County state that investigators found methamphetamine in a styrofoam cup next to the coffee maker in room N321 that the couple was sharing at the Hilton Promenade Hotel. Cops received consent to search the room from managers of the establishment.

Merrell is charging Owens as a prior and persistent offender because of two previous drug convictions out of the state of Florida. On March 25, 1999 he was convicted of possessing a controlled substance without a prescription; and on July 22, 1999, Owens pleaded guilty to possessing methamphetamine with the intent manufacture, sell or deliver.

Owens' girlfriend has been released from jail and will not face charges connected to the bomb scare according to Branson police chief Carroll McCollough.

Reports related to the alleged bombing "could be handed over to the prosecutors office by the beginning of next week for the determination of charges, according to Branson Police Chef Carroll McCollough. With the out of state warrants and our bond, he's not going anywhere."

Owens is being held without bond on the out-of-state warrants. Judge Tony Williams set Owens' bail at $100,000 on the Taney County charges.

Nixa Alderman Wants Mayor Ousted, Cites DWI Conviction:

Nixa Ward 1 Alderman Michael Durbin

The Ward 1 Alderman in Nixa is seeking to have that town's mayor removed from office citing the mayor's drunk driving guilty plea on Tuesday (02-16-10.)

Michael Durbin states the mayor specifically violated three of six provisions in the City Ordinances which outline the grounds for which removal from office are sufficient; culpable negligence or dereliction of duty, willful misconduct in office, and an act inconsistent with official duty or character.

Mayor Brian Hayes was stopped by a Nixa police officer for suspicion of drunk driving last June. When the officer realized that he had pulled the mayor over, he requested that the Highway Patrol take over the investigation.

Mayor Brian Hayes

Durbin says in letters sent to the mayor and aldermen that culpable negligence is defined
as “recklessly acting without reasonable caution and putting another person at risk of injury or death” of which the mayor most certainly did when driving while intoxicated. He also charged the Mayor was guilty of willful misconduct, defined as “conscious or intentional disregard of the rights or the safety of others” by driving while intoxicated.

Durbin wants his fellow city council members and city administrators to convene an emergency meeting to remove the mayor from office.

Durbin who is also running for reelection in April writes, “The Mayor swore to uphold the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of Missouri in addition to the Ordinances of the City of Nixa, all of these were built upon principles of virtue.

Hayes was scheduled to have a jury trial in April, but made a stand up plea on February 16, 2010, and admitted that he had indeed broken the law. "Mayor Brian Hayes has not shown good character or virtue by driving while intoxicated in a community where we receive recognition for our Police Department’s efforts to curb drunk driving. Our DARE officer won recognition of being the DARE officer of the year in the state of Missouri for his efforts teaching our children the effects of drugs and alcohol and ultimately answers to our Mayor who sends an opposite signal to our children. It’s the wrong signal to the children and our community, Durbin says.

Hayes says he was a little surprised at the timing of Durbin's request to impeach him and questions whether it is politically motivated on the alderman's part.

Durbin defends his actions in his news release, "As the official over our Police Department, our mayor should be an example of virtue to our both. Whether the Mayor has 50 or 500 days left in office, it’s imperative that we expect more out of our elected officials and hold them to the rules set in place by the Ordinances of our city.”

Hayes was given a 30 day jail sentence and fined $350.00 when he entered his guilty plea, however, the jail sentence and fine were suspended and Hayes was placed on two years unsupervised probation. Visiting Judge Mitch Hough also ordered Hayes to perform 60 hours of community service as part of the plea agreement.


NOTE: THE HIGHLIGHTED LINKS ARE THE ACTUAL LETTER AND PRESS RELEASE SENT OUT BY MICHAEL DURBIN.

Son and Family Friend Charged With Capital Murder In Bishop's Deaths:

Two men have been charged with capital murder for the deaths of two women who went missing eight-months ago from their Bentonville, Arkansas home.

Louise Bishop, 81, and her daughter Christina Johansen-Bishop, 40, were last seen about 5:30 p.m. on June 18, 2009, as they were exiting Sam's Club not far from their home.

The mother and daughter were reported missing by the Louise Bishop's nephew on June 21, 2009, after he went to their house and found it unlocked and the purchases made from Sam's still on the counter.

In July the women's truck was found in the parking lot of a Jane, Missouri strip club with the message "free car just tow away" scrawled across the windshield.

Yesterday (02-16-10) two shallow graves were located on property adjacent to John Johansen, Christina's ex-husband's, property.

Benton County Prosecutor Van Stone filed capital murder charges against Christina Bishop-Johansen's son, Nick Johansen, 18, and Michael Shane Winters, 29.

Nicholas Johansen was arrested a little before 10 a.m. in a vehicle driven by a woman that was attempting to leave 15212 Sugar Creek Road which is just to the east of where the bodies of his mother and grandmother were found.

Authorities revealed yesterday that an inmate from the Benton County jail led authorities to the shallow graves of the two women. Winters is being held on several charges not related to the women's murder in the Benton County jail.

Online information from the Benton County, AR sheriff's office website shows that Michael Shane Winter lists his home address as 15332 Sugar Creek Road.

That property is adjacent (see map above) to the Johansen property at 15226 Sugar Creek Road. However, a news release from the Bentonville police department says that Winters had been living with the Johansen's prior to his arrest in September.

Nick Johansen was charged in November with hindering an apprehension or prosecution in connection to his mom and grandmother's disappearance.

Johansen and Winters are scheduled to appear in court to be formally arraigned on the murder
charges tomorrow (February 18th) at 10:30 a.m.

Police and prosecutors have not released a motive for the murders.

Eddie Salazar Charged With Murder In Son's Death:

Eddie Salazar Sr.

The father of an eight-month old baby found dead in the Spring River on February 6th has been charged with second-degree murder.

Eddie Salazar, Sr., 29, Carthage, originally told investigators that two masked men broke into his house, beat him up and kidnapped his baby Eddie Salazar, Jr.

A statewide Amber Alert was in effect for two days for as hundred of searched looked for baby Eddie.

Today, Jasper County Prosecutor Dean Dankleson filed murder charges against the elder Salazar. The probable cause statement says that baby Eddie died from blunt force trauma to the head.

The P/C goes on to say, "A combination physical evidence and statements made by Eddie Salazar Sr. indicated that he was responsible for the death of his son."

According to the autopsy report, baby Eddie also had other broken bones as well as a skull fracture.

Dankleson says he believes the baby was dead before he was thrown in the river.

Salazar is also facing charges of filing a false police report in connection to the baby's death.

Galena's mayor pro-tem enters Alford plea in assault case:

An exchange of words and some shoving back in October 2009 resulted in a Galena alderman entering an Alford Plea this week in the Stone County courthouse, just across the street from where city council has held high-temperature sessions since last summer.

Tom Crabtree, mayor pro-tem entered the plea on Tuesday (Feb. 16th) . The charged stemmed from an incident in which Crabtree shoved former Police Chief Tony Kinser during an aldermen meeting. Crabtree was charged November 5th.

In a letter to the city, dated in early December 2009, Kinser wrote: "It has been a great privilege and honor to serve and protect the citizens of Galena, Missouri. However, due to the continuously hostile working conditions and continuing unethical behavior of several Galena city officials, I find it necessary to resign my position as Police Officer for Galena, Missouri,. My resignation is effective immediately." Kinser's resignation followed on the heels of the appointment of Joe Templeton as mayor by Crabtree.

Crabtree entered an Alford Plea to 3rd-degree assault, a Class-A misdemeanor - meaning he knew there was enough evidence against him should the matter gone to trial. He was originally charged with a Class-C misdemeanor. The judge sentenced him one year unsupervised probation which started on Feb. 16th.

Stone County Prosecutor Matt Selby tells the Ozark Sentinel "he (Crabtree) was put on probation for a year with the conditions that he have no contact with the victim and that he not violate the law. The victim is now working for a different police department outside the county."

***By: Greg Brock

Updated~~Authorities Discover Two Bodies On Property Of Missing Woman's Ex-Husband; Son Charged W/ Capital Murder:

Christina Bishop-Johansen (l.) and Louise Bishop

The son and grandson of two women who went missing from their Bentonville, Arkansas home eight-months ago has been charged with capital murder.

Nicholas Johansen was charged last November with hindering an apprehension or prosecution in connection to the disappearance of his mother, Christina Bishop-Johansen and his grandmother, Louise Bishop.

Yesterday (02-16-10) two bodies were found in shallow graves on the property of Christina Bishop-Johansen's ex-husband John Johansen near Avoca, Arkansas. That is the same house where Nick Johansen was taken into custody.



Christina Bishop and her mother Louise went missing last June after they were last seen at Sam's Club in Bentonville, AR.

A towing company from Avoca, AR crossed state lines and towed the women's truck that was found in the parking lot of a Jane, Missouri strip club last July. The truck had the message "free car just tow away" scrawled across the windshield.



Bentonville police chief James Allen say that his department along with deputy's from the Benton County Sheriff”s Office executed a search warrant at a home in the Garfield area, just northeast of Avoca. That property is about 15 miles from Louise Bishop's home.

The home and property that was searched at 15226 Sugar Creek Road belongs to John J. Johansen. It’s also where Christina's son, Nicholas Johansen, lived when he was arrested last November.



Allen says cops served a search warrant for the house and surrounding property about 8:30 a.m.



Nicholas Johansen

Chief Allen says, "An informant led us to a creek bed on the property we had the search warrant for." Allen says at that point they went to the Benton County jail and got an inmate out and took him to the property and about 3:45 p.m., "He pointed to an area adjacent to the property we were searching. When we looked over the fence we saw bones and found two shallow graves. We found some personal effects that belong to the women there as well."

The jail informant is in lockup on unrelated charges and Chief Allen would not confirm whether or not the informant was a former cellmate of Nick Johansen's. Allen would also not comment on whether or not anyone associated with the towing company had any involvement in the women's disappearance.

Allen says that the area where the remains were found has been secured for the night and cops are asking a judge for an amended or new search warrant to comb the adjacent property. Allen says he believes authorities will begin removing the human remains sometime Wednesday.

Nick Johansen, was out of jail on the hindering charg until his arrest this morning at his father's house. His father John is not in custody at this time according to Allen.

Aurora Man Sentenced To 15 Years For Sexually Abusing Stepdaughter:

Kevin Padgett

An Aurora man pleaded guilty today (02-16-10) to thirty-three sex crimes against his stepdaughter.

Kevin Padgett, 46, was charged with eight counts of statutory rape and twenty-five counts of statutory sodomy, for the crimes against the 11 year-old girl, between September 2007 and August, 2008.

“My office is very pleased with the sentences received in this case,” said Lawrence County Prosecutor Robert E. George. “The defendant was married to the victim’s mother and was able to hide this activity for over four years. Because of the graphic nature of the crimes the victim did not want to testify in front of a number of strangers. This sentence allows us to comply with the victim’s wishes and send this man to prison for a number of years,” George said.

Padget was sentenced to fifteen years in prison.


FULL PRESS RELEASE:

Judge Alan Blankenship, has sentenced Kevin D. Padgett, age 46, was sentenced to 15 years in the Missouri Department Corrections on eight counts of statutory rape and twenty-five counts of statutory sodomy, for the crimes involving an 11 year old victim, between September 2007 and August, 2008. The sentences are to run concurrently by agreement with the victim’s family.

“My office is very pleased with the sentences received in this case.” According to Robert E. George, Lawrence County Prosecuting Attorney. “The defendant was married to the victim’s mother and was able to hide this activity for over four years. Because of the graphic nature of the crimes the victim did not want to testify in front of a number of strangers. This sentence allows us to comply with the victim’s wishes and send this man to prison for a number of years.” George said.

The case had been transferred from Lawrence County to Stone County at the defendant’s request. According to Information filed with the court the deviate sexual acts and rape took place between September 1, 2007 and August 18, 2008. While the victim and her family was living in Lawrence County, Missouri.

“I want to commend the Aurora Police Department, the investigators with the Missouri Children’s Division, the Children’s Center in Monett, and investigators from the White County, Arkansas for their assistance in this case. Because of the quality of the investigation we were able to obtain a plea on each of the counts, without the need for the child taking the stand.” George noted.

Nixa Mayor Pleads Guilty To DWI:

The mayor of Nixa has pleaded guilty to charges of driving while intoxicated today (02-16-10.)

Last June, Brian Hayes was pulled over by a city policeman for suspicion of DWI. Once the officer realized whom he had pulled over he quickly turned the investigation over to the Highway Patrol.

Christian County prosecutor Ron Cleek says Hayes was sentenced to thirty days in the county jail, however, that sentence was suspended and Hayes was placed on two years of unsupervised probation. He was also ordered to perform 60 hours of community service and fined $350.00.

Hayes' attorney, Steve Meier, says that he is pleased with the outcome.

Nixa alderman Michael Durbin called for Hayes' resignation when he was charged last year.

Hayes, who was elected as mayor in 2008, is running for reelection this April and has several challengers.

Tasered Burglary Suspects Death Ruled Accidental:

Michael Hawkins

The death of a buglary suspect tasered by a Springfield police officer has been ruled accidental.

Autopsy and toxicology results say that Michael D. Hawkins died from cardiac arrhythmia and a lethal amount of methamphetamine in his system.

Hawkins was tasered inside the Eagles Lodge Motel in December when he was discovered hiding inside the crawl space of a storage room.

His death has been ruled an accident.

FULL PRESS RELEASE:

The Greene County Medical Examiner’s Office has determined that Michael D. Hawkins died as a result of cardiac arrhythmia, with significant old infarcts of the heart muscle, and toxic levels of methamphetamine. The manner of the death has been ruled an accident.

Hawkins was arrested by Springfield Police on December 20, 2009, at the Eagles Lodge Motel, 2611 N. Glenstone, for burglary and resisting arrest.

Police had received a call from motel management that someone was hiding in a storage room and refusing to come out. When officers arrived they found Hawkins hiding in a crawl space. He was given several verbal commands to come out of the crawl space and he refused. Police entered the crawl space and during their attempts to arrest Hawkins he was bitten on the upper right leg by a police service dog. As the dog engaged the suspect in the crawl space, the dog broke through the ceiling and fell onto the balcony. The suspect was able to hold onto a rafter and climb back into the crawl space.

As Hawkins continued to resist arrest by refusing to obey commands from officers, a Taser was deployed. The autopsy revealed that only one probe of the Taser entered the body.

After Hawkins was taken into custody by police he was transported to a local hospital for the bite wound. After arriving at the hospital he died.

For further information regarding the autopsy contact the Greene County Medical Examiner’s Office.

Waynesville Police Seize $10.2 Million In Drug Bust:

A Waynesville police officer out on routine patrol this morning (02-16-10) found a large stash of drugs after observing several vehicles at Whitmore Farms in west Waynesville.

An investigation of the activity led to the seizure of 89 pounds of methamphetamine and 99.6 pounds of cocaine. The methamphetamine has an estimated street value of $4.1 million, while the cocaine has an estimated street value of $6.1 million.

The investigation is ongoing and is being conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Waynesville Police Department. Further information will be available upon completion of the investigation.

Waynesville Police Lt. Gary Brankel said in a statement he would like to thank the Pulaski County Sheriff's Department and the St. Robert Police Department for their assistance.

Little Girl Walking Home After School Target Of Attempted Child Abduction In Nixa:

Authorities in Nixa are investigating the attempted abduction of a little girl yesterday afternoon.

Sgt. Jimmy Liles says that the nine year-old was walking home after getting off a school bus when a man in a tan four door car yelled at her to get in his car.The girl ran to a neighbors house for help and police were called.

The incident happened at a subdivision on the south end of Nixa near the intersection of Shady Acres and Sunrise.

The suspect is described as a white male in his mid to late 30's. He has no facial hair and was wearing a black baseball cap. Liles says the back passenger side door has a dent in it and the license plate is white with a possible palm tree on it.

The school district in reminding children and their parents about stranger danger.

If you know who this man is or the possible vehicle involved you're asked to call the Nixa police department at 417-725-2510.

Two Men Busted For Preying On Teens At Mall:

Cops busted two men Sunday (02-14-10) for allegedly having sex with two underage girls and giving them alcohol after picking them up at Battlefield Mall.

The men, who are 21 and 23, were arrested on suspicion of child abuse/endangerment and have not been charged as prosecutors are out of the office until tomorrow in observance of Presidents day.

A case report from the police department said the men were reported after allegedly picking up two teenage girls, ages 13 and 14, “taking them to an unknown location in a car, supplying them with alcohol and then having sex with them before returning them back to the mall.”

Both men were arrested and booked, the report said, and the car suspected to have been used in the crime was seized as evidence and towed to police headquarters.

Updated (w/ probable cause) Mother-In-Law Charged In Howell County Murder:

Debra Dillard

The mother-in-law of a woman from Moody found shot to death on a Howell County highway last year has been charged with first-degree murder.

On November 13th a passerby called 9-1-1 and reported a fatal car crash on Hwy FF near Missouri 142, but authorities were suspicious immediately because the fatal wounds to Becki Lynne Dillard, 24, weren't from a car crash, but from two bullet wounds to the head.

Investigators say that Debra Dillard, Becki's mother-in-law, told investigators that her boyfriend, Billy Eastep, hated Becki and that he followed her down Highway FF and pulled her over. Court documents say that Eastep began yelling at Dillard and as she turned to walk away from the confrontation he allegedly shot her in the back of the head.

But that was last November. According to the probable cause statement filed Debra Dillard allegedly sent signed confessions to several people implicating herself in her in Becki's murder.

Prosecutors filed first-degree murder and armed criminal action charges against fifty two year-old Debra Dillard this afternoon. Sheriff Shannon says that Debra Dillard sent signed confessions to several people implicating her involvement in her in her daughter-in-law's death.
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Debra Dillard's bond has been set at $1 million dollars. Eastep is facing the same charges in connection to Becki's murder.

Lawrence County's Top Cop Will Make Bid For The Bench:

Prosecutor Robert George

The top cop in Lawrence County says he will not seek reelection to that position. Prosecutor Robert E. George says he will seek the office of Lawrence County Associate Circuit Judge Division II, on the Republican ticket.

That position is currently held by Judge Larry Meyer, who plans to retire at the end of this term December 31, 2010.

George grew up in Mt. Vernon and graduated in 1969, from the Mt. Vernon High School. He is the son of the late Dr. Harold E. George, and Mardell Kirby, and the stepson of Betty George.

George received an Associate of Science Degree in Law Enforcement and a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice Administration from Missouri Southern State College, in Joplin. Additionally, George earned his law degree from the University of Tulsa, College of Law, in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

“For the past 37 years I have worked extensively in with the criminal justice system. First as a police officer, in Joplin, Missouri, then as a criminal fraud investigator for the state of Missouri.” According to George. “I developed an interest obtaining my law degree with the goal of becoming the county prosecutor and eventually a judgeship. Over the last 21 years I have served as prosecutor, and now, with Judge Meyer’s retirement, I have the opportunity to run for judge” George said.

After graduating from law school, George opened a private office in Aurora, Missouri where he practiced extensively in the area of domestic law, business law, real estate matters, property law, criminal law, personal injury cases and general law. Additionally, George served as Municipal Judge, and later as City Attorney for the City of Aurora, and was involved in the drafting of a revised City Code for the City of Aurora.

George was appointed as prosecutor in 1989, by then Governor and former United States Attorney General John Aschroft.

Since becoming prosecutor, George has served as the President of the Board of Directors for the Missouri Association of Prosecuting Attorney’s; President of the Missouri Office of Prosecution Services; Vice Chair of the Prosecuting Attorneys Retirement System, was a member of the board of directors for the Missouri Association of Counties; Past President of the Aurora Chamber of Commerce; Past President of Mt. Vernon, Rotary, and is currently serving on the Board of Directors for the Children’s Center in Joplin, Missouri, and Pierce City, Mo. George was an adjunct professor at the Drury College campus in Aurora, Missouri, teaching classes in the area of business law, and other legal issues.

George married Sherri McVey, of Aurora, in 1970, and they have two daughters and one grandchild.

UPDATED: Infant Dead In Springfield, Father Charged With Felony Child Abuse:

Kyle S. Baylor

A baby girl has died from injuries allegedly inflicted at the hands of her father.

Springfield police say they were called to a home at 920 E. Adams about noon on Wednesday to reports that 1-year-old Vaniessa A. Baylor had fallen of a couch and was unresponsive.

Early on in the investigation cops became suspicious of the father’s statements and say that the baby's injuries were inconsistent with falling off a couch.

Baby Vaniessa was in extremely critical condition for almost two days and died shortly before noon today. Doctors say the baby suffered severe head and body trauma that is more consistent with injuries suffered in a high speed car crash.

Kyle S. Baylor, 24, Springfield has been charged with felony child abuse. Those charges are expected to be upgraded to second-degree murder when prosecutors return to their offices on Tuesday following the long holiday weekend.

The little girl's mother was not at the home at the time the injuries were allegedly inflicted, and a four year-old girl who was in the home at the time was unharmed.

An autopsy is scheduled to take place after the baby's organs have been harvested for donation.

Camden County Man Sentenced To Life For Friends Murder:

A Camden County man has been sentenced to life in prison for the 2007 murder of a friend.

A jury found Curtis J. Shore, 59, Linn Creek, guilty of first-degree murder and armed criminal action last September for the shooting death of his neighbor, Walter S. Hahn Jr.

Shore was arrested for Hahn's murder after he called authorities and identified himself as former President George W. Bush and reported that there had been a shooting in his front yard.

Shore was sentenced to life without the possibility of parole on both charges.

Hahn's wife, Robin, filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Shore last month.

Court Of Appeals Overturns Neldon Neal's Manslaughter Conviction:

The voluntary manslaughter conviction of a man from Texas County has been overturned by the Missouri Court of Appeals.

In March of 2007 Neldon Neal, 63, was charged with second-degree murder for the death of his wife Judy Lewis at the Roby home the couple shared.

According to police reports, Judy Lewis' former daughter-in-law, Marsha Sumrall, who lived with the couple, did not like the way that Neal was treating Lewis and said something about it.

That allegedly angered Neal who went and got a shotgun and pointed it at Sumrall. Prosecutors say that Judy Lewis stepped in front of Sumrall armed a gun of her own to protect her daughter-in-law. Neal wrestled Lewis' gun from her, and fired one shot from it; that bullet tore through Lewis' heart and lung.

Neal fled the scene and was on the run for sixty-two days. He was finally located in a remote area of the Mark Twain National Forest.

The Court of Appeals agreed on February 10th, that although the death occurred in the course of an argument between Neal and his wife, the state had agreed that it was not in the "heat of passion," a necessary element for a voluntary manslaughter conviction.

The Appeals Court said the jury should not have been able to deliberate that element of the crime and overturned the conviction.

Neal cannot be recharged with second-degree murder or voluntary manslaughter because of double jeopardy.

Prosecutor Mike Anderson could file involuntary manslaughter charges against Neal but may choose not to because he will now have to serve a federal sentence on gun charges related to the death of Lewis.

In September of 2008 Neal pleaded guilty to charges of being a felon in possession of a firearm; he received a 17 year sentence for that crime. He also owes the state some time on a nine year prison sentence for armed robbery making the likelihood of him ever getting out of prison remote.