St. Clair County Sheriff Scott Keeler said deputies took a burglary report and made four warrant arrests during the week of May 9-16.

St. Clair County’s youth alcohol
enforcement campaign a success

     Sheriff Scott Keeler said the recent youth alcohol enforcement crackdown “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” was a success. He said deputies made 180 traffic stops during the 12 day enforcement period. From those stops there was one-impaired driving arrest, three other significant arrests including felony drug possession and felony driving while revoked, and 10 citations were made during the campaign which ran from May 5-16, 2016.

     “I am proud of our deputies for their hard work and dedication to making our region’s roadways safer,” said Sheriff Keeler. “Substance-impaired driving is a reckless choice by a few individuals.”

Traffic stops yields felony drug arrest

Melissa Collins- On May 16, Melissa Collins, 33, Osceola, was taken into custody on a class C felony charge of possessing a controlled substance. The charge stems from an investigation the same day when a traffic stop was conducted on a vehicle she was driving. During the investigation a prescription pill bottle with residue that field tested positive for methamphetamine was located in her possession. Formal charges are pending.

Burglary reported on SE PP Highway

     On May 16, a St. Clair County deputy took a burglary report on SE Highway PP. Jody and Brenda Long reported several items missing from a camper, shed, and a carport on their property. Items missing included a game camera, lawn mower, six totes full of household items, camping items, and a lawn mower trailer. The total value of the items was estimated at $735. The investigation is ongoing. Sheriff Keeler stated those with any related information should contact the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office Tip Line, 417-646-5832, or email to tips@scsomo.org.

Warrant arrests

Rory Coleman

     Rory Coleman- On May 13, Rory Coleman, 42, Osceola, was arrested at the St. Clair County Jail on an Osceola Police Department warrant charging him with class C felony possession of controlled substance. Bond is set at $20,000 cash or surety. The charge stems from an Osceola Police Department investigation the previous day.

Michael Lapaix Protes

     Michael Lapaix Protes- On May 11, Michael Lapaix Protes, 43, Independence, was arrested on St. Clair County warrant for failing to appear in court on a class A misdemeanor charge of pursuing/taking/killed/possessed or disposed of wildlife illegally. Bond is set at $156.50 cash only. The charge stems from a Missouri Department of Conservation investigation on May 21, 2011.

Jeremy Strutton

      Jeremy Strutton- On May 10, Jeremy Strutton, 26, Osceola, was arrested on a St. Clair County warrant charging him with class C felony domestic assault-second degree. Bond is set at $20,000 cash or surety.

     The charge stems from an incident the previous day when St. Clair County deputies were dispatched to NE 1248 Road, Osceola, in reference to a domestic assault. A female victim stated Strutton assaulted her by striking her multiple times in the head with a closed fist and used both of his hands to choke her. Strutton was taken into custody pending the formal charge.

Sandra Hash

      Sandra Hash- On May 10, Sandra Hash, 51, Osceola, was arrested on a St. Clair County warrant charging her with class C felony theft/stealing(value of property is $500 or more but less than $25,000.) The warrant was issued on May 6 and bond is set at $10,000 cash or surety.

     The charge stems from a St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office investigation on July 28, 2015 when Susan Schlachter reported Hash stole two walnut logs from her property. Schlachter stated Hash had permission to cut up dead trees on the property as firewood. She noted she received information Hash cut two live trees from the property. Schlachter stated she values the trees at several thousand dollars.

     Disclaimer: Arrest records are public information. Any indication of an arrest does not mean the individual identified has been convicted of a crime. All persons arrested are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law

Criminal summonses issued

     On May 11, criminal summonses were issued on four individuals charging them with class A misdemeanor assault third degree. Summonses were issued for Nikolas Lee, 21, Clinton; Dylan Conrad, 19, Clinton; Austin Blankenship, 19, Clinton; and Luke Roberts, 19, Windsor.

     The charges stem from an incident that allegedly occurred at a residence on NW 151 Road, Osceola, in the early morning hours on July 12, 2015. St. Clair County deputies were dispatched to the CMH Clinic, Osceola, where a male victim stated he attended a party and was assaulted by multiple people. During the investigation it was learned another individual was also assaulted during the incident.

     On May 11, a criminal summons was issued for Rodney Nitchals, 31, Appleton City, charging him with class B misdemeanor peace disturbance. Arraignment is set for June 3.

     The charge stems from an incident on March 23 when a St. Clair County deputy took a report regarding a noise complaint on Hickory Street, Appleton City. David Scrivner reported his neighbor, Nitchals, was playing his radio too loud. He stated he asked him to turn it down and he did for a short time and then turned it up again. A request for prosecution was signed.

Warrant arrest in Henry County

     Matthew Klinksick- On May 13, Matthew Klinksick, 18, Appleton City, was arrested in Henry County on a St. Clair County warrant charging him with an unclassified misdemeanor of possession of liquor by a minor, two class A misdemeanor charges of tampering with physical evidence, and littering. The warrant was issued on May 4 and bond was set at $2,000 cash or surety. Klinksick posted bond in Henry County and was released.

     The charges stem from a St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office investigation on Jan. 22 when   a traffic stop was conducted on a vehicle Klinksick was a passenger in on Highway P, Appleton City. During the investigation it was determined Klinksick was intoxicated. He was also seen trying to hide two bottles of beer under his arm.  He was ordered to exit the vehicle and hand the bottles to another deputy on scene. Klinksick allegedly stepped out of the vehicle and threw the bottles into the ditch.

Court case update

Ragina Barbour pleads guilty to felony drug charge. Sentencing set for July 5.

http://scsomo.org/court_case_view.php?id=97

Connie DeHart found guilty on two felony drug charges. Sentencing set for July 5
http://scsomo.org/court_case_view.php?id=116

Congratulations graduates

     Sheriff Scott Keeler and his staff extend their sincere congratulations to the graduating seniors of the Class of 2016. The sheriff urges graduates to celebrate their success and make the most out of the knowledge learned from school.

     “As you move forward from this chapter of your life, keep working hard and never stop chasing your dreams,” he said. “Enjoy every moment you can, but remember all decisions have consequences. 

Coffee with the Sheriff to be held in Iconium area May 26

     Sheriff Scott Keeler will host “Coffee with the Sheriff” on Thursday, May 26, from 8-11 a.m. at The Cook Shack, 8827 NE State Highway ZZ, Osceola. The sheriff encourages citizens to attend with any questions or concerns and be a part of making a difference in the community.