Taney County Prosecuting Attorney

Update: LOCATED SAFE Please share to help.

Let's talk about our digital footprint... It's what we leave behind while we're online. It can be purchases that were made online, social media, or personal information. Follow these easy steps and save yourself a lot of issues down the road with your digital footprint!

This week we lost Neil Mabry, a longtime police officer and employee of the Prosecutor's Office. He was a fine public servant and will be missed by all. Thank you for your service Neil and Godspeed.

Six People Arrested During Early Morning Search Warrant The Branson Police Department arrested six people and discovered drugs and money counterfeiting operatio...ns while serving a search warrant on multiple rooms at the Metropolitan Motel, located at 300 Schaefer Dr, on Sunday, August 9, 2020 around 5:30 a.m. Branson Police developed information from proactive enforcement efforts that led to this search warrant. The Branson Police Department along with the Taney County Sheriff’s Department Special Operations Team served this search warrant. A wide assortment of drugs and firearms were seized along with evidence of a counterfeiting operation. The Secret Service, Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms and Branson Police are assisting with this investigation. Six people, including a member of the motel management, were arrested on a variety of charges and transported to the Taney County Jail. Branson Police are communicating with the Taney County Prosecuting Attorney’s office and Missouri Probation and Parole on the charges. This investigation aligns with the City’s efforts to hold motel management accountable for safe lodging. As a result of this investigation, a comprehensive review of the motel’s business license and inspection records is being conducted.

UPDATE: Davidson was taken into custody on 7/11/2020 in Douglas County. Thanks to everyone who provided information to assist in locating him.

Thank you to all area Law Enforcement agencies and the City of Branson Public Works Department that helped with today’s planned peaceful demonstration. While th...ere was one individual who was taken into custody, the demonstration remained peaceful and topped out at 155 people. The Branson Police Department led an interagency task force to include various departments within the city, county, and state to ensure everyone remained safe during the event Saturday on W. 76 Country Blvd where groups of people were exercising their First Amendment rights. Missouri State Highway Patrol Taney County Sheriffs Office Branson MO Fire-Rescue Taney County Ambulance District

#UltimateSacrifice Today We Remember: Trooper Jimmie E. Linegar Trooper Linegar's story: http://bit.ly/TprLinegar

While the 46th Judicial Circuit Court of Taney County remains open, they, like many courts across the country, have had to make changes to their daily operations.

If you have received a communication from our office recently about a court date, please be aware that many upcoming court dates have been continued in the near future in response to COVID-19. If you have questions about an upcoming court date, please either refer to casenet at courts.mo.gov/casenet or contact the Circuit Court Clerk's Office. https://www.courts.mo.gov/page.jsp?id=151973

Last night the Springfield Police Department lost an officer who was bravely performing his duties, leaving behind a wife and daughter. Please keep his family in your prayers.

http://taneycountyprosecutor.com//ryan-pulley-sentenced-o/

TAX IDENTITY THEFT AWARENESS WEEK It's tax season! Along with tax season, there will be several scams that you may start hearing about. Scam phone calls pret...ending to be the IRS Scam emails trying to obtain your personal identifying information Fraudulent tax refunds as a result of identity theft How can you keep yourself and your identity protected? Do not give out ANY personal information over the phone, especially your social security number Remember that the IRS will NEVER call or email you. They communicate via official US Mail only Do not pay for taxes, warrants, or anything a scammer asks for over the phone with a prepaid debit card or a money transfer - the IRS will not require a specific type of payment. The police department will never call you about paying on a warrant. Regularly check your mail and have the mail held if you will be away for any extended time -- mail thefts can lead to identity theft. Do not leave documents with personal information in your vehicle -- vehicle break-ins can also lead to identity theft. Consider signing up for a well-known and trusted identity theft protection company. They will detect any fraudulent activity with your credit line or personal information. If you believe you have been a victim of a scam or scam attempt, you can report it by filing a complaint with the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) or the FTC. TIGTA: tigta.gov or 800-366-4484 FTC: ftc.gov/complaint or 877-FTC-HELP (877-328-4951)

Thank you to the men and women of law enforcement for the work that they do.

Wishing everyone a safe and happy holiday season. Please be careful if you are travelling during this busy time of year.

This week we lost Scott Britton to cancer. A wonderful man that had worked in local law enforcement for many years, most recently with MOCIC. He had been of great service to this office in a number of high profile cases. We were lucky to have known Scott and had had the opportunity to work with him. Thank you Scott, for your service to our community, and condolences to your family.

October is domestic violence awareness month. Information about resources in Missouri can be found at: https://www.mocadsv.org/

If you have been the victim of domestic violence and fear future harm, the Secretary of State's office offers a program to keep your address confidential. Please see their page at for more information. https://www.sos.mo.gov/business/safeathome

http://taneycountyprosecutor.com//robert-j-hyslop-sentenc/

This week school starts back up in Taney County. This means buses operating on public roads and increased traffic in school zones. Be mindful of this when driving.

http://taneycountyprosecutor.com//raymond-tatum-sentenced/

This morning the Patrol joined agencies from around the state to honor those who have died in the line of duty as well as those who continue to serve at the 32nd Annual Law Enforcement Memorial Service. #NeverForget

Branson man sentenced in Statutory Sodomy Case: On Friday, April 19, 2019, Taney County Associate Circuit Court Judge R. Tiffany Yarnell sentenced JUSTIN A. BALDWIN, d/o/b 5-28-1986, to seven (7) years in prison for the class D felony of statutory sodomy in the second degree. Baldwin had pleaded guilty in January of this year, but sentencing was delayed until after two sentencing hearings. At the first these hearings, the victim presented a statement describing the severe and... lasting impact of the crime on her mental health over the last two years. By pleading guilty to the offense, Baldwin admitted that he had committed an act of sodomy on the victim in the spring of 2017. She was 14 years old at the time, and Baldwin was over twice her age. He had access to the child because he was considered a close family friend. When interviewed by law enforcement, Baldwin confessed to having sexual contact with the child, despite knowing her young age. Baldwin attempted to shift a degree of responsibility to the child. He also blamed his conduct partly on his consumption of alcohol. At sentencing, the defense requested probation. They presented evidence that Baldwin was still employed with a local business, whose owner testified that Baldwin would have a job and place to stay if allowed to remain free in the community. The Taney County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office opposed probation. After considering both arguments, the Court denied probation and sentenced Baldwin to prison. The class D felony of statutory sodomy in the second degree is punishable by a sentence of two (2) to seven (7) years in the Missouri Department of Corrections or a term of up to one (1) year in the county jail. See more

A friendly reminder from the Branson Police Department: please remember to lock your vehicle when unattended and to keep valuables out of sight.

On Saturday, April 27, volunteers from various law enforcement agencies and local organizations will be at six locations in Stone and Taney County with disposal units for unused medications. It's easy, safe, and anonymous to dispose of your unused prescription drugs.

Sad news from the Prosecuting Attorney's office of DeKalb County Illinois. Domestic violence is an ongoing issue that remains an issue in every community.

NAJEE MICHELLE DONSON SENTENCED FOR VOLUNTARY MANSLAUGHTER AND ARMED CRIMINAL ACTION On Friday February 15th, 2019, Najee Michelle Donson was sentenced to eighteen years in prison in the Circuit Court of Taney County, Missouri, for one count of voluntary manslaughter, and ten years for one count of armed criminal action. The defendant admitted that her actions caused the death of Mr. Chad Deadmond. Judge Eric Eighmy heard the plea and sentencing arguments from Ms. Donson’s a...ttorney and Taney County Prosecuting Attorney William Duston. On June 15, 2017, Taney County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a call for a service for a male that had suffered a gunshot wound to the face. When the officers arrived, they found said male, whom shortly thereafter expired, and two other individuals on site including Ms. Donson, along with two firearms, one of which was used in the shooting. The loss of Mr. Deadmond is a great loss to his family and our hearts go out to them, said Prosecuting Attorney William Duston. We hope that they find some solace in the sentence handed out today. See more

We currently have an opening in our office. http://www.mobar.org//01-190212-06---Assistant-Prosecuti/

With the new year and a change of Prosecuting Attorney to William Duston, the Taney County Prosecuting Attorney's office would like to thank Jeff Merrell for his twelve years of service to Taney County and its citizens. Everyone in the office has benefited from his steady hand, sage advice, and dedication to the rule of law. Thank you Mr. Merrell, and congratulations on your election to Taney County Circuit Judge.

BRANSON MAN SENTENCED FOR TANEY COUNTY MURDER On Friday afternoon, August 3, 2018, DAKOTA CLAYPOLE, d/o/b 7-15-1995, of Branson, was sentenced to twenty-one (21) years in prison for second-degree murder and armed criminal action, in the Circuit Court of Greene County, Missouri. Claypole’s case had been moved to Greene County on a change of venue from Taney County, and on May 4, 2018, Claypole had pleaded guilty to the felonies before Circuit Judge Calvin Holden. Claypole’s ch...arges stemmed from a shooting on January 16, 2017, at a residence on Rainbow Drive, in Branson. Taney County Sheriff deputies responded to the residence and discovered Daxton Drake, age 22 years, had suffered multiple gunshot wounds. Drake was pronounced dead at the scene. A witness who was romantically involved with both Claypole and Drake explained that she and Drake were in bed together when Claypole walked up the stairs leading into the bedroom, and brandished a handgun. Claypole verbally confronted Drake and fired a gunshot in his direction. Then, Drake stood up and Claypole fired multiple gunshots into Drake, killing him. Claypole fled the residence driving Drake’s automobile and was arrested by Highway Patrol Troopers and Branson Police Officers a few miles away. Law enforcement officers did an excellent job the night of January 16, 2017, of apprehending the murder suspect in very short order, said Taney County Prosecutor Jeff Merrell. This was important to the success of the investigation, as well in assuring community safety. I’m very proud of the work done by officers and investigators in solving this murder. Specifically, Judge Holden sentenced Claypole to twenty-one (21) years in the Missouri Department of Corrections for second-degree murder, and twenty-one (21) years in the Missouri Department of Corrections for armed criminal action, with the sentences to run concurrently with one another. The class A felony of murder in the second degree carries a maximum penalty of thirty (30) years or life imprisonment with the possibility of parole. The unclassified felony of armed criminal action carries a minimum sentence of three (3) years in prison, with no maximum.

JAMES KEELER PLEADS GUILTY THE DAY OF TRIAL TO UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF A FIREARM Taney County Prosecuting Attorney Jeffrey M. Merrell announced today that James Leslie Keeler d/o/b 7-13-1966 of Ridgedale, Missouri plead guilty without a plea agreement today to the class D felony unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon as a prior and persistent felony offender. He was set to begin a bench trial this morning in front of Taney County Circuit Judge Tony Williams. Formal senten...cing is set for October 2, 2018 at 9:00am. On February 15, 2018 during a traffic stop in the City of Hollister, JAMES KEELER was arrested and during a search of his person officers discovered .22 ammo in his pocket. During a search of his vehicle, officers found a .22 Browning Buck Mark pistol hiding in a coat in the back seat along with a loaded magazine in the pocket. JAMES KEELER is a convicted felon with previous convictions for felony assault and felony possession of ephedrine with the intent to manufacture methamphetamine. As a prior and persistent felony offender JAMES KEELER faces the range of punishment for that of a class C felony for this offense. The range punishment for a class C felony is imprisonment in the custody of the Missouri Department of Corrections for a term of years not less than three (3) years and not to exceed ten (10) years; or by imprisonment for a special term not to exceed one (1) year in the county jail or other authorized penal institution; or by a fine not to exceed ten thousand dollars ($10,000); or by both imprisonment and a fine

DARIUS SMITH PLEADS GUILTY TO COUNTERFEIT CURRENCY CHARGE Taney County Prosecuting Attorney Jeff Merrell announced today that DARIUS SMITH d/o/b 1-12-1995 of Branson, Missouri entered a plea of guilty Tuesday to the class D felony of forgery in the Circuit Court of Taney County, Missouri. Formal sentencing is set for October 16, 2018 at 9:00am. ... On July 7, 2017, Deputy Gene Piveral with the Taney County Sheriff’s Department stopped an Oldsmobile for driving on the shoulder of Business 65 in Hollister, Missouri. During the traffic stop Deputy Piveral learned that the vehicle was stolen out of Springfield, Missouri. DARIUS SMITH was arrested and during a search of the vehicle seven-hundred and fifty (750) dollars in counterfeit currency was found in the center console. The range of punishment for a class D felony is imprisonment in the custody of the Missouri Department of Corrections for a term of years not to exceed seven (7) years; or by imprisonment for a special term not to exceed one (1) year in the county jail or other authorized penal institution; or by a fine not to exceed ten thousand dollars ($10,000); or by both imprisonment and a fine.

CODY WRY PLEADS GUILTY TO LYING TO COPS THE DAY OF TRIAL CODY WRY d/o/b 3-10-1992 of Forsyth, Missouri plead guilty without an agreement Tuesday to the class B misdemeanors of making a false declaration and making a false report in front of Taney County Associate Circuit Judge Tiffany Yarnell. Formal sentencing is set for October 4, 2018. On April 28, 2018 Cody Wry made a police report and filled out a statement with the Taney County Sheriff’s office that he had stopped his ...vehicle at the intersection of Strawberry and Forsyth-Taneyville Road. He advised law enforcement that a male opened his door, pointed a gun at him and ordered him to get over or get out. Due to a young child in the car, CODY WRY moved over to the passenger seat and sometime later the vehicle left the roadway and crashed into a tree. CODY WRY was shown a photo lineup and identified another individual as the person that pointed a gun at him, stole the car and crashed it into a tree. CODY WRY later admitted he made up the story due to his drug use and fear that he would lose his license. The range of punishment for each of the class B misdemeanors of making a false declaration and making a false report is imprisonment in the county jail or other authorized penal institution for a term not to exceed six (6) months; by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000); or by both imprisonment and a fine.

BRANDY SHADDOX GUILTY OF FIRST DEGREE MURDER BRANDY B. SHADDOX, d/o/b 12-08-1977 of Branson, Missouri was found guilty on Friday of murder in the first degree, assault in the first degree, armed criminal action, kidnapping and forgery in the Circuit Court of Lawrence County, Missouri. A twelve (12) woman jury heard evidence and arguments over a five day period before arriving at their verdict. Under Missouri law, the sentence on murder in the first degree is fixed at life imp...risonment without the possibility of parole and after a brief sentencing hearing the jury recommended a life sentence on assault in the first degree, a twenty (20) year sentence on armed criminal action, fifteen (15) years on kidnapping and four (4) years on forgery. The case was tried by Taney County Prosecuting Attorney Jeff Merrell and Chief Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Chris Lebeck in Lawrence County on a change of venue filed by the defense. Lawrence County Circuit Judge Jack Goodman scheduled formal sentencing for October 10, 2018 at 9:00am. The verdicts stem from crimes committed in November of 2015 where BRANDY SHADDOX orchestrated the death of 72-year old Larry Adams, of Hollister by beating him in the head with a flashlight and driving him to a remote location off Highway 65 in Walnut Shade, Missouri. His body was discovered found wrapped in a tarp with his hands and feet zip-tied in the back of BRANDY SHADDOX vehicle. Adams died of hypothermia while BRANDY SHADDOX continued to live in his residence, use his vehicle and make purchases on his credit cards. MARK BAILEY, d/o/b 10-10-1963 of Highlandville, Missouri previously plead guilty to murder in the second degree, kidnapping and felonious restraint for his involvement in the death of Larry Adams. On March 30th, 2018 MARK BAILEY received a twenty year (20) sentence for the murder, fifteen year (15) sentence for the kidnapping and seven (7) year sentence for the felonious restraint.

MICHAEL TYSON SENTENCED FOR SEXUALLY ABUSING A CHILD On Thursday, July 12, 2018, MICHAEL S. TYSON, d/o/b 11-14-1975, of Hollister, was sentenced to twenty (20) years in prison in the Circuit Court of Taney County, Missouri, for one count of statutory sodomy in the first degree, one count of statutory rape in the first degree, eight (8) counts of sexual exploitation of a minor child, and one count of possession of child pornography, consecutive to a federal sentence. In April ...of this year, Tyson appeared in custody before Christian County Circuit Judge Jennifer Growcock and admitted to having sexual intercourse and committing acts of sodomy on a minor child. On Thursday, Judge Growcock heard sentencing arguments from Tyson’s attorney and from Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Shana Mora, of the Taney County Prosecutor’s Office, before she ordered Tyson to serve his prison sentence for the State of Missouri consecutive to his current federal sentence of thirty (30) years. On April 7, 2015, officers from the Hollister Police Department responded to Cox Hospital in reference to a report of a past child molestation. The responding officer made contact with the mother of the child who advised the officer that her child had disclosed that Tyson, the mother’s boyfriend, had been hurting the child. The mother further discovered that Tyson had also been sexually abusing the child. A few days later the child was interviewed at the Lakes Area Child Advocacy Center. During that interview, the child disclosed that Tyson had engaged in several acts of sodomy and rape. The child also disclosed that Tyson recorded some of these incidents on his phone. On April 10, 2015, based on the disclosures of the child, officers from the Hollister Police Department executed a search warrant at Tyson’s residence. During the search of the residence, officers found an abundance of sex toys and several electronic devices. Detective Sanders of the Hollister Police Department sent those electronic devices to MOCIC (Mid-States Organized Crime Information Center) for review. Analysts at MOCIC later advised Detective Sanders that several images and videos of child pornography were found on Tyson’s electronic devices. I could not be more proud of how Ms. Mora represented this office in sentencing, and how she represented the citizens of Taney County throughout the course of handling this case, said Taney County Prosecutor Jeff Merrell. We were not about to budge on the fact that Mr. Tyson should have to serve consecutive prison time, on top of his federal prison sentence. The victims deserve whatever peace-of-mind might come from knowing their abuser is staying in custody for as long as possible.

EPPS PLEADS GUILTY WITHOUT PLEA AGREEMENT On Friday morning, June 22, 2018, TIFFANY LEANN EPPS, d/o/b 11-29-1984, of Branson, entered a guilty plea without an agreement to the class C felony of possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, the class D felony of possession of a controlled substance, and the class E felony of driving while license revoked. Epps was set for a bench trial before the Honorable Tony W. Williams today and entered her plea before th...e trial could begin. Judge Williams set Epps’ sentencing for September 11, 2018. The plea stemmed from a drug investigation conducted by the Missouri State Highway Patrol on February 7, 2017. Troopers had reliable information that drugs were being kept and sold at a house occupied by Epps in the Branson area. Epps was seen leaving the residence and was stopped for a separate traffic violation when it was discovered her license was revoked. Epps was arrested and found in possession of half a gram of methamphetamine. Troopers subsequently acquired a search warrant for her home and found over 60 grams of methamphetamine along with scales and baggies inside the residence. A class C felony carries a range of punishment between three (3) and ten (10) years in the Missouri Department of Corrections, plus possible fines. Possession of a controlled substance carries between two (2) and seven (7) years in the Missouri Department of Corrections, and driving while revoked carries a maximum of four (4) years in the Department of Corrections.

DAISY MARKS GUILTY OF INVOLUNTARY MANSLAUGHTER AND ASSAULT IN THE SECOND DEGREE Taney County Prosecuting Attorney Jeffrey M. Merrell announced today that DAISY M. MARKS (DOB: 2/26/1988) of Branson, Missouri, was found guilty of the felonies of involuntary manslaughter in the first degree and assault in the second degree. Circuit Judge Tony W. Williams announced the verdict today, after considering evidence presented earlier this year in a two-day bench trial by Assistant Pros...ecuting Attorney Thomas Kondro. Formal sentencing is scheduled for September 18, 2018. At trial, the evidence presented by the prosecution showed that Marks recklessly caused a fatal car crash on March 20, 2016, while driving approximately 35 miles per hour over the speed limit on a city street in Branson. As a result of the crash, a three year-old girl died. Her grandmother was left with permanent and serious injuries. On the afternoon of March 20, Marks had been driving eastbound on Gretna Road, east of Roark Valley, where the posted speed limit is 40 miles per hour. Marks abruptly accelerated while entering a curve in close proximity to other traffic, and lost control of her vehicle. She crossed into an adjacent lane, striking the victims’ vehicle from the side and pushing them across a median. The victims’ vehicle was then struck by oncoming traffic. Data collected from Marks’s 2014 Corvette after the crash indicated that Marks had pushed the gas pedal to 99% of its maximum extension, reached a speed of approximately 75 miles per hour, and had not braked in the seconds before the collision. Sgt. Stanley Kauffman of the Branson Police Department led the crash investigation, with vital and substantial assistance from Sgt. Scott Richardson of the Missouri Highway Patrol. Both the police department and Patrol devoted many hours to collecting and analyzing data from the crash scene and the vehicles involved. Their work continued through the trial, which ended on April 6, 2018. Under the law in 2016, involuntary manslaughter in the first degree, and assault in the second degree, are both class C felonies. The range of punishment for a class C felony is a sentence of two (2) to seven (7) years in the Missouri Department of Corrections, or up to one (1) year in the county jail, or a fine of up to $5,000, or a combination of fine and imprisonment.

CHRONIC DWI OFFENDER PLEADS GUILTY ON EVE OF TRIAL Taney County Prosecuting Attorney Jeffrey M. Merrell announced today that Curtis E. Mosby, d/o/b 11-27-1958, entered an open plea of guilty, on the eve of trial, to the class B felony of driving while intoxicated and the class D felony of driving while license revoked both as a prior and persistent felony offender. Curtis E. Mosby was set to begin a two-day jury trial today in the Circuit Court of Taney County. An open ...Continue reading

TANEY COUNTY MURDER CASE FEATURED IN SECOND TV PROGRAM ON SUNDAY On Sunday, June 10, 2018, a program on the Oxygen channel (Local channels: Suddenlink 79, DirecTV 251, Dish Network 127) will feature a Taney County murder case the 2011 murders of Russell and Rebecca Porter, who were kidnapped from their home in Willard, Missouri, and were shot to death in Cedarcreek, Missouri. The investigation into the disappearance of the Porters was initiated by the Greene County Sheriff’...s Office, on April 18, 2011, but ultimately became a collaborative effort among numerous law enforcement agencies primarily Greene County, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, and the Taney County Sheriff’s Office. Five (5) defendants were eventually convicted for their involvement in the murders: Tony Friend, Windy Friend, Dusty Hicks, Phillip Friend, and Robert Campbell. Taney County Prosecuting Attorney Jeff Merrell presented the cases against the five (5) defendants to a Taney County grand jury, won convictions in jury trials against Windy Friend and Robert Campbell, and negotiated guilty pleas from Tony Friend, Dusty Hicks, and Phillip Friend. In July of 2017, the Investigation Discovery channel series ‘On the Case with Paula Zahn’ featured the same Taney County murder case. This case has received a lot of attention over the past few years because of its breadth, complexity, and successful prosecutions, said Taney County Prosecutor Jeff Merrell. Many people contributed to the discovery of the truth behind the murders of Russell and Rebecca. The killers are behind bars now thanks to the collaborative effort of everyone involved in this investigation.

CARR SENTENCED TO TWENTY (20) YEARS FOR MURDER On Thursday morning, May 24, 2018, TRISTAN R. CARR, d/o/b 7-25-1998, of Forsyth, was sentenced to twenty (20) years for the crime of murder in the second degree and three (3) years for the crime of armed criminal action, in the Circuit Court of Greene County, Missouri. Circuit Judge Michael Cordonnier sentenced Carr after hearing arguments from Taney County Prosecuting Attorney Jeff Merrell and Carr’s attorney. Carr’s sentences w...ere ordered to run concurrently with each other. Carr had previously been charged with murder in the first degree, but entered his guilty plea on February 26, 2018, to the amended charge of murder in the second degree as part of a plea agreement he made with the Prosecutor. The guilty plea and sentence stemmed from the October 15, 2016, shooting death of 18 year old Eric Summerfield outside Carr’s residence, in Forsyth. Carr shot the victim once in the chest, at point-blank range. Carr gave differing stories to investigating officers about the cause of the shooting. Murder in the second degree carries a maximum penalty of thirty (30) years or life imprisonment with the possibility of parole. Armed criminal action carries a minimum sentence of three (3) years in prison, with no maximum. Carr’s plea agreement capped his sentences at twenty (20) years on each of his two (2) felony charges.

DRUG AND WEAPONS CHARGES NETS CONSECUTIVE TIME FOR CONVICTED FELON GARY DEAN PHILP d/o/b 7-10-1965, of Branson was sentenced to a five year sentence for each of the felonies of felon in possession of a firearm, possession of methamphetamine and unlawful use of a weapon and a one year jail sentence for each count of the misdemeanors of possession of marijuana and unlawful use of drug paraphernalia. Gary Philp was sentenced by Wright County Associate Circuit Judge Lynette Veens...tra who was assigned to the case after Taney County Judge Tony Williams was removed from hearing the matter. Probation is denied and the sentences are to run concurrent to each other but consecutive to the fifteen year sentence he received in April after a Taney County jury trial where he was found guilty of dealing methamphetamine. On September 27, 2016, members of the Combined Ozarks Multijurisdicitonal Enforcement Team (COMET) Drug Task Force were conducting a knock and talk investigation at the Plantation Inn in Branson. They made contact with Philp and received consent to search his room. As a result of the search, COMET officers found ammunition in the room and methamphetamine, marijuana, paraphernalia and a Bersa Thunder 380CC pistol on his person. Philp is a convicted felon and is prohibited from possessing a firearm. Sentencing was argued by Chief Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Chris Lebeck on behalf of Taney County Prosecuting Attorney Jeff Merrell.

BRANSON MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO MURDER Taney County Prosecuting Attorney Jeff Merrell announced today that DAKOTA CLAYPOLE, d/o/b 7-15-1995, of Branson, entered a guilty plea to the felonies of murder in the second degree and armed criminal action, in the Circuit Court of Greene County, Missouri. Circuit Judge Calvin Holden accepted Claypole’s guilty pleas, ordered a sentencing assessment report, and scheduled formal sentencing for August 3, 2018 at 2pm. Claypole’s charges stemm...ed from a shooting on January 16, 2017, at a residence on Rainbow Drive, in Branson. Taney County Sheriff deputies responded to the residence and discovered Daxton Drake, age 22 years, had suffered multiple gunshot wounds. Drake was pronounced dead at the scene. A witness who was romantically involved with both Claypole and Drake explained that she and Drake were in bed together when Claypole walked up the stairs leading into the bedroom, and brandished a handgun. Claypole verbally confronted Drake and fired a gunshot in his direction. Then, Drake stood up and Claypole fired multiple gunshots into Drake, killing him. Claypole fled the residence driving Drake’s automobile and was arrested by Highway Patrol Troopers and Branson Police Officers a few miles away. Pursuant to a plea agreement, Claypole pled guilty to the amended charge of murder in the second degree which had formerly been murder in the first degree. The Taney County Prosecutor’s Office entered an agreement with Claypole’s attorney that the sentences handed-down by Judge Holden will be served concurrently with one another. The class A felony of murder in the second degree carries a maximum penalty of thirty (30) years or life imprisonment with the possibility of parole. The unclassified felony of armed criminal action carries a minimum sentence of three (3) years in prison, with no maximum.

BRANSON MAN RECEIVES CONSECUTIVE SENTENCE FOR STATUTORY RAPE On Thursday, May 17, 2018, KYLE LEE SMITH, d/o/b 10-27-1987, of Branson, was sentenced to five (5) years in prison for two (2) counts of statutory rape in the second degree, consecutive to a federal sentence, in the Circuit Court of Taney County, Missouri. In February, Smith appeared in custody before Associate Circuit Court Judge Eric Eighmy and admitted to having sexual intercourse in the summer of 2015 with two (...2) underage girls on separate occasions. On Thursday, Judge Eighmy heard sentencing arguments from Smith’s attorney and from Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Shana Mora, of the Taney County Prosecutor’s Office, before he ordered Smith to serve his prison sentence for the State of Missouri consecutive to his current federal sentence of fifteen (15) years. The victims disclosed that in the summer of 2015 Smith engaged in sexual intercourse with them at his home in Branson and each girl disclosed separate incidents. Smith was interviewed by an investigator and denied the allegations. DNA was discovered on an item of clothing belonging to one victim through the course of the investigation, and was found by criminalists at the Missouri State Highway Patrol Crime Lab to be semen consistent with the DNA profile of Kyle Lee Smith. Smith is a former teacher at an Arkansas high school.

Thank you to the City of Branson for hosting our County-wide training on homicide and questionable death investigations.

Prosecuting Attorney Jeff Merrell along with members of the Taney County Drug Court Team had a great training this week at the Drug Court Tune-Up in Springfield, Missouri. The Drug Court Tune-Up provides advanced training to seasoned treatment court teams and teaches the latest research and best practices, while assessing current practices and finding ways to improve. For more information about the Drug Court Program and how it can help people with addiction problems please visit the National Drug Court Institute at www.ncdi.org

TODAY is DEA Drug Take Back day! Check your home for unused or expired prescriptions and help fight the opioid epidemic. Find a location to safely and securely dispose of your prescription medications at DEATakeBack.com

FORMER PILOT PLEADS GUILTY TO STATUTORY SODOMY, STATUTORY RAPE, AND CHILD PORNOGRAPHY CHARGES On Wednesday, April 25, 2018, MICHAEL SHANE TYSON, d/o/b 11-14-1975, of Hollister, pleaded guilty to one (1) count of statutory sodomy first degree, one (1) count of statutory rape first degree, eight (8) counts of sexual exploitation of a minor child and one (1) count of possession of child pornography, in the Circuit Court of Taney County, Missouri. Tyson appeared in custody before...Continue reading

Our office received a very thoughtful and pleasant surprise today from our friends at the Humane Society of Missouri. Thank you for the work that you do! https://www.facebook.com/HumaneSocietyofMO/

DRUG DEALER SENTENCED TO TEN YEARS JUSTIN A. DECKER, d/o/b October 16, 1985, of Branson, Missouri entered an Alford plea of guilty in front of Associate Circuit Judge Eric Eighmy to the class C felony of possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute as a prior and persistent drug offender. Decker announced his intent to enter a guilty plea on April 17th, the day before his case was set to go before a Stone County jury for trial on a change of venue requested... by Decker. On August 19, 2017, Decker was a passenger in a vehicle which was stopped for having no front plate in Branson. Decker had numerous warrants out for his arrest and was detained as part of the stop. Tygo, Branson’s K9 service animal, was deployed and detected the presence of drugs in the vehicle. The driver of the vehicle was found with numerous controlled substances, including alprazolam, methadone and heroin, and a digital scale was found in the vehicle. When questioned about the substances, Decker acknowledged that he intended on selling the drugs for the driver of the vehicle. By entering an Alford plea, Decker agrees that the State could present enough evidence at trial to be found guilty by a judge or jury, but does not formally admit his guilt. I appreciate the hard work of the Branson Police Department and my staff in pulling this case together so quickly for trial as it was set for jury trial just two weeks ago, said Taney County Prosecuting Attorney Jeffrey M. Merrell in response to the last minute plea of guilty. Decker was sentenced by Judge Eighmy to ten (10) years in the Missouri Department of Corrections following a short argument by the State and his attorney. As a prior and persistent drug offender with two prior convictions for drug distribution related offenses, Decker was facing a class A felony range of punishment between ten (10) years and life, or thirty (30) years in the Department of Corrections.

SEX OFFENDER PLEADS GUILTY TO FAILURE TO REGISTER Taney County Prosecuting Attorney Jeffrey M. Merrell announced today that THOMAS BURRUS, d/o/b 12-01-1990 of Powersite, Missouri plead guilty without an agreement to the class D felony of failing to comply with the requirements of a registered sex offender as a prior and persistent felony offender. On September 13, 2017 a vehicle being driven by THOMAS BURRUS was stopped for expired registration on State Hwy 76 and Aqua Road. ...During the traffic stop it was learned that THOMAS BURRUS had a suspended driver’s license as well as a prior conviction for felony sexual assault and was currently non-compliant in his registration requirements. During their investigation, the Taney County Sheriff’s Department learned that THOMAS BURRUS was no longer residing at the residence he previously reported to law enforcement in violation of the State of Missouri sex offender registration requirements. Missouri law requires that any change in name or residence be provided to the chief law enforcement officer of the County, normally the Sheriff, within three business days. Formal sentencing is set for June 27th, 2018 at 1:00pm in front of Taney County Judge Eric Eighmy. As a prior and persistent felony offender, THOMAS BURRUS faces a range of punishment of three to ten years in the Department of Corrections, or up to one year in the Taney County Jail and/or a fine not to exceed ten-thousand dollars (10,000), or by both imprisonment and a fine. As a part of the plea THOMAS BURRUS also plead without an agreement to the class D misdemeanor of driving while license suspended.

ADULT ABUSE HOTLINE AVAILABLE As National Crime Victims week winds down, do not forget about the senior or disabled members of our community. The Missouri Department Health and Senior Services (DHSS) are responsible for investigating reports of abuse, bulling, neglect and financial exploitation. If you or anybody you know believe that any of those things have occurred please immediately call the Missouri Adult Abuse & Neglect Hotline at 1-800-392-0210 or visit http://health.mo.gov/safety/abuse. For more information please take a moment to watch the following video:

DRUG DEALER GETS FIFTEEN YEAR SENTENCE On April 10, 2018, GARY DEAN PHILP d/o/b 7-10-1965, of Branson, Missouri, was sentenced to fifteen (15) years in the Missouri Department of Corrections for the class B felonies of distribution of methamphetamine and possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and seven (7) years for the class D felony of distribution of drug paraphernalia by the Taney County Circuit Court Judge. The sentences were ordered to be served concurr...ently. PHILP's attorney argued for a ten (10) year sentence and asked for probation. PHILP was previously convicted of those charges by a jury on November 27, 2017. At trial, Assistant Prosecutors Tony Brown and Chris Lebeck presented evidence that on August 4, 2016, an officer with the COMET Drug Task Force received a tip that PHILP was selling methamphetamine out of his hotel room at the Plantation Inn, in Branson. The officer made contact with PHILP at the hotel and was sold what was purported to be one (1) gram of methamphetamine for $100.00. The substance was confirmed to be 0.6 gram of methamphetamine by a criminalist at the Missouri State Highway Patrol Crime Lab. "Without the officers on the Task Force and their willingness to put themselves in harm’s way by going undercover, we would not have been able to remove another violent drug dealer from the streets, said Taney County Prosecuting Attorney Jeff Merrell about the sentenced handed down today.

PROM SEASON DESERVES REMINDER TO COMMUNITY ABOUT UNDERAGE DRINKING Prom is being held for many local schools in April and May, and that means the end of the school year is just around the corner. Graduation for seniors and summer vacation for all teens is just a few weeks away. What better time for a sobering reminder to parents to address underage drinking with their children? During the summer months, many teens have more freedom than during school. Also, many teens hav...e jobs and free time to party with friends. For these reasons, summer can present increased opportunities and risks for underage drinking for some teens. If you think that teens are not drinking, please consider the national and local statistics on underage drinking: Even though drinking by anyone under the age of 21 is illegal in the U.S., people aged 12 to 20 years drank 11% of all alcohol consumed in the United States this year. On average 26.4% of underage drinkers (10.8 million persons aged 12 to 20) used alcohol in the past month. A yearly average of 4.2 million young people between the ages of 16 and 20 reported driving under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs during the past year. Approximately 5,000 deaths of people under the age of 21 are the result of underage drinking each year. The average Missourian’s first use of alcohol occurs at age 13.43 years. In Taney County, the average age of first use is 12.5 which is typically 7th grade. Another serious long-term effect of teenage drinking is that it leads to adult dependence. The National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism reports that teens who start drinking before age 15 are five times more likely to develop alcohol addiction than those who do not begin drinking until age 21. The good news, however, is this: parents can make a difference in the choices children make about drinking. Studies show that teens whose parents talk to them about alcohol and drugs are 42% less likely to use those substances than teens whose parents do not discuss the issue with them. Possession of alcohol by a person under age 21 in Missouri is a misdemeanor. As an adult, providing alcohol or making alcohol available to someone under age 21, is also a crime. These are crimes in large part because of the negative effects of alcohol on minors. So, please take these facts and the topic of upcoming prom and graduation events to initiate a discussion with your children about the risks to them of underage drinking. Your kids just might listen. (For help talking with your children about alcohol and drugs, visit drugfree.org. If you would like to become involved with Taney County’s efforts to reduce and prevent underage drinking, please contact Alaina Williams at [email protected] for more information about ADAPT Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Team.) *This op-ed authored by Jeff Merrell was published in the April 7, 2018, edition of the Branson Tri-Lakes News.

PROSECUTOR’S OFFICE PROVIDES MANDATED CHILD ABUSE REPORTER TRAINING On Friday morning, April 6, 2018, Taney County Prosecuting Attorney Jeff Merrell provided training to Taneyville School’s educators and staff, along with Chief Assistant Prosecutor Chris Lebeck, on the topic of Mandated Child Abuse Reporting Laws. This morning’s presentation was one of a series of trainings on this topic Merrell and Lebeck have made to Taney County school district professionals. This is a ve...ry important issue, and an area of Missouri law where much mis-information has been disseminated to educators, says Merrell. Through our series of contacts with local schools, our office is making an effort to clarify the legal responsibilities of all school employees. Proper reporting of suspected abuse and neglect is critical to the protection of our children. The training is designed to educate school professionals on their statutorily mandated duty to report suspected child abuse and neglect, and the training covered why reporting suspected child abuse is important, the warning signs, and the nuts and bolts of when and how to hotline. This training was put together by the Taney County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office as a result of a recent appointment as special prosecuting attorney in a case involving school officials in another county and allegations surrounding a failure to report suspected child abuse. If you have reasonable cause to believe a child has been the victim of physical or sexual abuse, or neglect contact the Missouri Child Abuse/Neglect Hotline Unit (CANHU) on their toll-free at 1-800-392-3738 or visit the online reporting portal at https://apps.dss.mo.gov/OnlineCanReporting/default.aspx.

MARK BAILEY SENTENCED FOR MURDER OF HOLLISTER MAN MARK T. BAILEY, d/o/b 10-10-1963, of Highlandville, Missouri, was sentenced to 20 (twenty) years in prison for second-degree murder on Friday afternoon, in the Circuit Court of Taney County, by Christian County Circuit Court Judge Laura Johnson. Johnson sentenced Bailey after hearing arguments from Taney County Prosecutor Jeff Merrell and from Bailey’s attorney. In addition to the 20 (twenty) years for murder in the second deg...ree, Bailey was also sentenced to 15 (fifteen) years for kidnapping, and 7 (seven) years for felonious restraint. Pursuant to Bailey’s plea agreement, his sentences were ordered to run concurrently. Bailey’s guilty pleas stemmed from crimes committed in November of 2015, when Bailey assisted Brandy Shaddox in purchasing zip ties at a local home improvement store; driving 72-year old Larry Adams, of Hollister, to a remote location off Highway 65 in Walnut Shade, Missouri; and leaving the victim bound in a car. Adams died of hypothermia after being abandoned by Bailey and Shaddox, and his body was discovered on November 14, 2015. While Mark Bailey was clearly not the most-culpable actor in causing Mr. Adams’ death, the crime would likely not have been able to be completed if not for Bailey’s cooperation with Shaddox, said Taney County Prosecuting Attorney Jeff Merrell at the time of Bailey’s guilty plea. Brandy Shaddox faces a jury trial for the charge of first-degree murder in Lawrence County, in April. Shaddox’s trial was moved to Lawrence County on a change of venue filed by the lawyer for Shaddox. Bailey had previously appeared before Judge Johnson on January 22, 2018, and pleaded guilty under the Alford guidelines to the three (3) felonies. By entering his guilty plea under the Alford guidelines, it means that Bailey admits that there is sufficient evidence to support him being convicted of the crimes, but he does not admit responsibility for them. As part of Bailey’s plea agreement with the Taney County Prosecuting Attorney’s office, Bailey’s potential sentence was capped at twenty (20) years in prison, and Bailey’s lawyer was permitted to argue for some sentence less than twenty (20) years at the sentencing hearing. The class A felony of murder in the second degree carries a range of punishment of ten (10) years up to thirty (30) years or life in the Missouri Department of Corrections. The class B felony of kidnapping carries a range of punishment of five (5) to fifteen (15) years in the Missouri Department of Corrections. The class C felony of felonious restraint carries a maximum sentence of seven (7) years in the Missouri Department of Corrections and/or a fine not to exceed $5,000.00. Brandy Shaddox is presumed innocent until or unless she is proven guilty in a court of law.

MANDATED REPORTER TRAINING TODAY WITH THE KIRBYVILLE SCHOOL DISTRICT Taney County Prosecuting Attorney Jeff Merrell presented mandated reporter training to teachers and professionals of the Kirbyville School District this afternoon. The training is designed to educate school professionals on their statutorily mandated duty to report suspected child abuse and neglect, and the training covered why reporting suspected child abuse is important, the warning signs, and the nuts an...d bolts of when and how to hotline. This training was put together by the Taney County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office as a result of a recent appointment as special prosecuting attorney in a case involving school officials in another county and allegations surrounding a failure to report suspected child abuse. We are appreciative of Kirbyville’s staff in having us today to discuss mandated reporting and hopefully our presentation has helped clarify how this obligation affects teachers and school professionals, said Taney County Prosecuting Attorney Jeff Merrell. This was the second in a series of mandated reporter trainings for school professionals in Taney County by the Taney County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. In April, Merrell will be presenting to the professionals at the Taneyville School District. If you have reasonable cause to believe a child has been the victim of physical or sexual abuse, or neglect contact the Missouri Child Abuse/Neglect Hotline Unit (CANHU) on their toll-free at 1-800-392-3738 or visit the online reporting portal at https://apps.dss.mo.gov/OnlineCanReporting/default.aspx.

MAXIMUM SENTENCE FOR ANIMAL ABUSE OF KITTEN On Friday, March 2, 2018, KYLE W. WILLIAMS, d/o/b 3-21-1999, of Branson and JORDAN HALL, d/o/b 7-13-1998, of Arnold were sentenced by Christian County Circuit Judge Jennifer Growcock to the Missouri Department of Corrections for the torture and abuse of a kitten, which was filmed and posted on Facebook. Williams had previously entered guilty pleas to the felonies of animal abuse and armed criminal action and Hall had entered a guilt...y plea to animal abuse back on January 8, 2018. This case was prosecuted by Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, Tony Brown. We are satisfied with the sentences handed down today by the Judge for this senseless act of depravity against a helpless kitten. We appreciate the help of good Samaritans in our digital community in reporting this crime as it might have gone unpunished without their assistance, said Taney County Prosecuting Attorney, Jeff Merrell in response to the sentence. Neither defendant had an agreement with the Prosecuting Attorney's Office as to what sentence they might receive. Williams was sentenced to four (4) years in the Missouri Department of Corrections for the class E felony of animal abuse, the maximum punishment, and three (3) years for the felony of armed criminal action. Judge Growcock ordered those sentences to be served consecutively. Hall was sentenced to four (4) years in the Missouri Department of Corrections. Williams also entered a guilty plea to the class B felony of possession of a weapon in a county jail, relating to the sharpening of a spork into a "shank" and received a five (5) year concurrent prison sentence for that offense.

FORSYTH MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO 2016 MURDER On Monday, February 26, 2018, TRISTAN R. CARR, d/o/b 7-25-1998, of Forsyth, pleaded guilty to charges of murder in the second degree and armed criminal action, in the Circuit Court of Greene County. Greene County Presiding Circuit Court Judge Michael Cordonnier accepted the guilty plea, ordered a sentencing assessment report, and scheduled Carr’s sentencing hearing for May 24, 2018. Pursuant to a plea agreement Carr made with the Taney... County Prosecutor’s Office, his sentence is capped at twenty (20) years on each of the two (2) felonies, and Carr’s sentences will run concurrently with one another. Carr had been facing a charge of first degree murder, before the charge was amended to second degree murder for purposes of finalizing a plea agreement. According to the plea agreement, Carr’s sentences whatever the sentences handed-down by the court are to run concurrently with one another. Carr entered an Alford plea of guilty meaning that he admits that the prosecution has sufficient evidence to prove his guilt, however, not requiring that he formally admit responsibility for the crimes. At about dusk on October 15, 2016, Taney County 9-1-1 received a call for service from Carr at his home address on Skyline Drive, in Forsyth, in Taney County, Missouri. Carr lived at that home with his parents, but Carr and a friend were the only people at home that evening. Carr reported that he had shot his friend, Eric Summerfield. Officers and emergency responders made contact with defendant, Tristan Carr, at the residence, and found the body of Eric Summerfield bleeding in the road in front of Carr’s home. It was apparent to officers and medical personnel that Eric Summerfield, age eighteen (18), had suffered a single gunshot wound to the chest. Carr explained to investigators that he shot Summerfield because he was unable to tell who was approaching the front door, and shot out of fear. However, Carr had told the 9-1-1 operator that he was playing with the gun and accidentally shot Summerfield. The evidence at trial would have been that Carr had been target shooting with the same pistol used to kill Summerfield earlier the same day, and that Carr had invited Summerfield to his home just a short time before the shooting. Further evidence would be that the front porch lights of Carr’s home were on at the time of the shooting, and medical testimony would explain that the pistol’s muzzle was against Summerfield’s chest at the time of the fatal shot. Multiple witnesses denied hearing an argument between Carr and Summerfield, and described them as friends. Murder in the second degree carries a maximum penalty of thirty (30) years or life imprisonment with the possibility of parole. Armed criminal action carries a minimum sentence of three (3) years in prison, with no maximum.

PLEA OF GUILTY ENTERED IN FORCIBLE ROBBERY AT TARGET On Monday, February 26, 2018, CORY DRAPER, d/o/b: 12/9/1989, of Branson, Missouri, entered a guilty plea to the class A felony of robbery in the first degree. Cory Draper was set to begin a jury trial in front of Taney County Circuit Judge Tony Williams next week. Formal sentencing is set for May 15, 2018, at 9:00 a.m. On November 30, 2016, Cory Draper entered the Branson Target and was observed by Asset Protection personn...el concealing an Xbox and related video games, valued at over $180.00 on his person. He was stopped by two uniformed employees when he exited the store. When he was stopped he told the employees they could not stop him.. and he will do what was needed to leave. When Draper was asked to step back into the store he pushed back his jacket revealing what appeared to be a semi-automatic pistol on his hip and stated he would do what’s needed to leave. At that point, employees allowed Draper to leave. He was later apprehended by Branson Police officers, after being identified in a photo-line up. The class A felony of robbery in the first degree has a range of punishment of a term of not less than ten (10) years and not to exceed thirty (30) years, or life imprisonment, in the Missouri Department of Corrections.

IDENTITY THIEF ENTERS OPEN PLEA A WEEK BEFORE TRIAL On Monday, February 26, 2018, Taney County Prosecuting Attorney, Jeffrey M. Merrell announced that DEANGELO SHELBY, d/o/b: 10-8-1990, of Branson Missouri, entered a guilty plea to the class B felony of trafficking in stolen identities. Deangelo Shelby was set to begin a jury trial on March 5th, 2018 in front of Taney County Circuit Judge Tony Williams. Formal sentencing is scheduled for May 1, 2018. On February 24, 2017, of...ficers with the Branson Police Department responded to a domestic disturbance at 1103 Bird Road. During his investigation of the domestic disturbance, Officer Sheehan learned that Deangelo Shelby was in possession of stolen identities. When he questioned Shelby, Officer Sheehan recovered paperwork and items including credit cards, a social security card, credit card numbers, and a check. All the items recovered belonged to other people. I appreciate Officer Sheehan’s efforts in tracking down the victims in this case so they can be heard at sentencing, as identity theft is a devastating crime that has long-lasting effects on a person’s financial well-being, said Taney County Prosecuting Attorney Jeff Merrell, in response to the plea. The class B felony of trafficking in stolen identities has a range of punishment of five (5) to fifteen (15) years in the Missouri Department of Corrections. The Taney County Prosecutor’s Office has made no agreement with Shelby concerning what sentence he will receive sometimes described as an open plea.

BRANSON MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO STATUTORY RAPE On Thursday, February 22, 2018, KYLE LEE SMITH, d/o/b 10-27-1987, of Branson, pleaded guilty to two (2) counts of statutory rape in the second degree, in the Circuit Court of Taney County, Missouri. Smith appeared in custody before Associate Circuit Court Judge Eric Eighmy and admitted to having sexual intercourse in the summer of 2015 with two (2) underage girls on separate occasions. Judge Eighmy accepted Smith’s guilty pleas, ord...ered a sentencing assessment report be conducted, and scheduled sentencing for May 3, 2018. The victims disclosed that in the summer of 2015 Smith engaged in sexual intercourse with them at his home in Branson and each girl disclosed separate incidents. Smith was interviewed by an investigator and denied the allegations. DNA was discovered on an item of clothing belonging to one victim through the course of the investigation, and was found by criminalists at the Missouri State Highway Patrol Crime Lab to be semen consistent with the DNA profile of Kyle Lee Smith. This guilty plea is the result of the cooperative effort of multiple law enforcement agencies, across multiple jurisdictions, says Jeff Merrell, Taney County Prosecuting Attorney. The success of this prosecution is a testament to the selfless, team approach I get to see from law enforcement officers day-in and day-out in this job. Statutory rape in the second degree committed in 2015 was a class C felony, so each count Smith pleaded guilty to carries a maximum sentence of seven (7) years in the Missouri Department of Corrections and a $5,000.00 fine. Pursuant to a plea agreement with the Taney County Prosecutor’s Office, Smith’s sentence is capped at five (5) years in prison, and the Prosecutor’s Office will argue for Smith’s sentence to run consecutively to a fifteen (15) year federal sentence Smith is currently serving. Smith is a former teacher at an Arkansas high school.

SOUTHERN DISTRICT COURT OF APPEALS UPHOLDS ROBERT CAMPBELL MURDER CONVICTIONS Taney County Prosecuting Attorney Jeffrey M. Merrell announced today that the Southern District Court of Appeals affirmed the judgment and sentence of Robert Campbell for his role in the murder-for-hire plot that resulted in the deaths of Russell and Rebecca Porter, of Willard, Missouri in April of 2011. On July 13, 2016, a Jasper County jury returned two (2) guilty verdicts against Campbell for mur...der in the second degree. The jury deliberated for several hours before reaching its verdicts. Following the guilty verdicts, the same jury heard evidence on sentencing, and delivered recommendations of life for each of the two (2) counts. Campbell’s trial was heard in Jasper County on a change of venue from Taney County where Russell and Rebecca Porter’s remains were discovered in July of 2011. On September 12, 2016, Robert Campbell was sentenced to two consecutive life sentences by Judge Gayle Crane who accepted the recommendation of the jury. Codefendants Tony Friend and Windy Friend were also convicted as well. Tony Friend plead guilty in 2013, and was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. On March 31, 2014, a Taney County jury found Windy Friend guilty of two (2) counts of murder in the first degree and she was sentenced to life without the possibility of parole for her role. This case was the focus of a television special by On the Case with Paula Zahn on the Investigation Discovery network. The episode can be viewed, in it’s entirety by following the link below: https://www.investigationdiscovery.com///trail-of-betrayal The full text of the Southern District Court of Appeals decision can be read here: http://taneycountyprosecutor.com//Statement_SD34647_FINAL.

Congratulations to two excellent Branson officers we have enjoyed working with for the last several years.

FUGATE GETS SEVEN (7) YEARS FOR POSSESSION WITH INTENT AND UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF A FIREARM On Wednesday afternoon, February 7, 2018, ROBERT A. FUGATE, d/o/b 1-06-1992, of Branson, entered guilty pleas to felony charges of possession of methamphetamine with intent to deliver and unlawful possession of a firearm. Taney County Associate Circuit Judge Eric Eighmy accepted Fugate’s guilty pleas and sentenced Fugate to seven (7) years in prison on each of the two felonies pursua...nt to a plea agreement with the Taney County Prosecutor’s Office. The charges stemmed from October 12, 2017, when officers with the Branson Police Department encountered Fugate during a traffic stop. After learning that Fugate had an active warrant for his arrest, the officers took him into custody and searched him. Fugate was found to have a handgun in his waistband, and over 3 grams of methamphetamine in his pocket. Fugate stated to officers during the search of his pockets, I’m racking up the felonies. Fugate was also found in possession of a set of scales and a supply of plastic baggies, which are commonly used in the distribution of controlled substances. Fugate’s possession of a firearm was a crime because he had previously been convicted of two felonies theft and unlawful use of a weapon in August of 2016. Possession of methamphetamine with intent to deliver is a class C felony and carries a potential maximum sentence of ten (10) years in prison. Unlawful possession of a firearm is a class D felony and carries a potential maximum sentence of seven (7) years in prison and/or a $10,000.00 fine.

SHELIA KELLETT RETIRES AFTER NEARLY SEVENTEEN (17) YEARS OF SERVICE Taney County Prosecuting Attorney, Jeffrey M. Merrell is sad to announce that long-time employee, Shelia Kellett has announced her retirement from the Taney County Prosecuting Attorney’s office after nearly seventeen years of exemplary service to the citizens of Taney County. A reception was held in her honor yesterday celebrating her time with the prosecutor’s office. Shelia served in a number of roles over ...her years with the office, including managing bad checks and restitution as well as the traffic caseload. Shelia’s hard work, dedication, and compassion for victims will truly be missed by our office. I hope she and her husband have a happy and healthy retirement, said Taney Country Prosecuting Attorney, Jeff Merrell in response to the retirement. As a result of Shelia’s retirement, the Taney County Prosecuting Attorney had recently sought applications from people seeking to fill that position in the office. The Prosecutor has recently been conducting interviews for the position of traffic clerk.

CONVICTED FELON ENTERS OPEN PLEA TO WEAPON AND DRUG CHARGES On January 31, 2018, GARY DEAN PHILP d/o/b 7-10-1965, of Branson entered pleas of guilty to the felonies of felon in possession of a firearm, possession of methamphetamine and unlawful use of a weapon and the misdemeanors of possession of marijuana and unlawful use of drug paraphernalia in front of Wright County Associate Circuit Judge Lynette Veenstra. Philp entered his guilty plea without an agreement with the Pros...ecutor’s Office. On September 27, 2016, members of the Combined Ozarks Multijurisdicitonal Enforcement Team (COMET) Drug Task Force were conducting a "knock and talk" investigation at the Plantation Inn in Branson. They made contact with Philp and received consent to search his room. As a result of the search, COMET officers found ammunition in the room and methamphetamine, marijuana, paraphernalia and a Bersa Thunder 380CC pistol on his person. Philp is a convicted felon and is prohibited from possessing a firearm. Judge Veenstra set Philp's sentencing for April 4, 2018 at 10AM. Philp is facing a maximum possible sentence of thirty seven (37) years in the Missouri Department of Corrections and two (2) years in the Taney County Jail. Philp is currently serving a ten (10) year sentence for violating the terms of probation granted in another case and is awaiting sentencing following a November 2017 jury trial for distribution of methamphetamine.

GLIDEWELL SENTENCED TO PRISON FOR 2016 FATALITY CRASH On Tuesday, January 23, 2018, MICHAEL D. GLIDEWELL, d/o/b 5-04-1960, of Branson, was sentenced by Judge Eric Eighmy to a total of twenty (20) years in the Missouri Department of Corrections: fifteen (15) years in prison for the class B felony of involuntary manslaughter in the first degree and five (5) years in prison for the class C felony of driving while intoxicated as an aggravated offender. Judge Eighmy ordered the se...ntences to be served consecutively. Because there was no plea agreement as to what sentence Glidewell would receive, the sentencing arguments of the parties were lengthy, with emotional statements from the victim’s family. Judge Eighmy sentenced Glidewell to the consecutive sentences after hearing arguments from Glidewell’s lawyer and Assistant Taney County Prosecutor Thomas Kondro. On the morning of November 30, 2016, Glidewell was driving a cement truck for a commercial business in the area of Mount Branson, when his truck overturned and fell onto a passenger car. The driver of the passenger car a husband and father was killed. Glidewell was found by Missouri State Highway Patrol troopers to be running the cement mixer and truck at unsafe speeds for conditions, as well as operating the truck while his blood alcohol level was 0.092%. This offense led to the conviction for manslaughter. Five days before the manslaughter, on November 25, 2016, Glidewell had been arrested for a separate, aggravated DWI offense that occurred on Missouri Highway 125, near Fall Creek Drive. A trooper with the Missouri State Highway Patrol stopped Glidewell for having expired registration on his automobile. After the traffic stop was initiated, the trooper determined that Glidewell was intoxicated. Eventually, a breath sample provided by Glidewell showed his blood alcohol level to be 0.158%. The DWI was charged as a class C felony because Glidewell had at least three (3) prior DWIs. Glidewell’s cases had been transferred to Stone County in anticipation of trial, due to a change of venue motion filed by the defense. The cases were scheduled to go to trial in Stone County, this January, but Glidewell entered pleas of guilty on October 5, 2017.

MARK BAILEY PLEADS GUILTY TO MURDER, SENTENCING SCHEDULED MARK T. BAILEY, d/o/b 10-10-1963, of Highlandville, Missouri, pleaded guilty to multiple felonies including murder in the second degree on Monday, January 22, 2018, in the Circuit Court of Taney County. Christian County Circuit Judge Laura Johnson accepted Bailey’s Alford plea of guilty to the class A felony of murder in the second degree, the class B felony of kidnapping, and the class C felony of felonious restra...int. Johnson ordered a sentencing assessment report and scheduled Bailey’s sentencing for Friday, March 30, 2018. The guilty pleas stem from crimes committed in November of 2015, when Bailey assisted Brandy Shaddox in purchasing zip ties at a local home improvement store; driving 72-year old Larry Adams, of Hollister, to a remote location off Highway 65 in Walnut Shade, Missouri; and leaving the victim bound in a car. Adams died of hypothermia after being abandoned by Bailey and Shaddox, and his body was discovered on November 14, 2015. While Mark Bailey was clearly not the most-culpable actor in causing Mr. Adams’ death, the crime would likely not have been able to be completed if not for Bailey’s cooperation with Shaddox, says Taney County Prosecuting Attorney Jeff Merrell. Brandy Shaddox faces a jury trial for the charge of first-degree murder in Lawrence County in April. I still anticipate we will be trying the case against Shaddox starting on April 23rd. Shaddox’s trial was moved to Lawrence County on a change of venue filed by the lawyer for Shaddox. Bailey entered his guilty plea under the Alford guidelines, meaning that Bailey admits that there is sufficient evidence to support him being convicted of the crimes, but while not accepting responsibility for them. As part of Bailey’s plea agreement with the Taney County Prosecuting Attorney’s office, Bailey’s potential sentenced is capped at twenty (20) years in prison, and Bailey’s lawyer is permitted to argue for some sentence less than twenty (20) years at the sentencing hearing. Bailey remains in custody at the Taney County jail pending sentencing. The class A felony of murder in the second degree carries a range of punishment of ten (10) years up to thirty (30) years or life in the Missouri Department of Corrections. The class B felony of kidnapping carries a range of punishment of five (5) to fifteen (15) years in the Missouri Department of Corrections. The class C felony of felonious restraint carries a maximum sentence of seven (7) years in the Missouri Department of Corrections and/or a fine not to exceed $5,000.00. Brandy Shaddox is presumed innocent until or unless she is proven guilty in a court of law.

The Taney County Prosecuting Attorney has an opening for a traffic and discovery assistant. The position is to begin immediately. Please see attached posting below for more information. Resumes will be accepted until position is filled. If interested please forward a cover letter and resume by mail or e-mail to: Chris Lebeck... Chief Assistant Prosecuting Attorney PO Box 849 Forsyth, MO 65653 email: [email protected] http://taneycountyprosecutor.com//Traffic-and-Discovery-As

MERRELL ANNOUNCES HE WILL NOT SEEK FOURTH TERM AS TANEY COUNTY PROSECUTOR After an incredibly challenging and rewarding eleven years serving Taney County as Prosecuting Attorney, I have decided not to seek a fourth term. Therefore, my tenure as Prosecutor will end on December 31, 2018. I am grateful to the citizens of Taney County for this opportunity to serve my community, since my election in August of 2006. The work has been demanding, but thanks to the help of our fanta...stic employees I know that the Taney County Prosecutor’s Office is in better shape now than it was in 2007. Please see below the attached letter to the citizens of Taney County for more information: http://taneycountyprosecutor.com//Letter-to-Taney-County-C