Charges to be brought against juvenile in connection with series of Carthage business burglaries

(From the Carthage Police Department)

On February 19, 2026, at approximately 2:48 a.m., an officer was conducting directed patrols in the 200 block of West Fir Road, due to a rash of commercial burglaries in the area over the last few months. The officer observed a suspicious vehicle parked in front of a business in that same block.

Upon further investigation, the officer discovered the front of the business had been forcibly damaged and observed a masked individual inside actively burglarizing the business.

When the officer attempted to make contact, the suspect fled on foot. The officer pursued the suspect on foot for approximately one-half mile before the officer successfully took the suspect into custody without further incident.

The suspect was identified as a juvenile and was transported to the Jasper County Juvenile Office for holding.

Further investigation revealed the suspect had stolen a vehicle from a private residence earlier that same night and used the vehicle to force entry into the business.

The juvenile is the primary suspect in six additional recent commercial burglaries that have occurred within the city. The juvenile will be referred on multiple felony allegations, including burglary, property damage, stealing, tampering with a motor vehicle, and resisting arrest. These charges will be sent through the Jasper County Juvenile Office for consideration of charges.

Officer Hettinger’s alertness, initiative, and persistence were instrumental in bringing this incident to a safe and swift resolution.

This remains an active investigation, and no additional information is being released at this time.

Defendant sentenced to 10 years for assaulting officers at Joplin Detention Center

(From the Jasper County Prosecuting Attorney's Office)

The Jasper County Prosecutor announces that on February 20, 2026, defendant, Jacob Blair, was sentenced to ten years for assault on law enforcement officers. 

The defendant pled guilty to two counts of class D felony Assault in the Third Degree. The defendant was charged on November 2, 2022, with assaulting the officers while in the custody of the Joplin Detention Center. 

A misdemeanor assault charge was dismissed along with another charge for attempted escape. Two other
cases were also dismissed as part of the plea. The defendant was sentenced to the Department of Corrections for a term of five years on each count and the sentences will run consecutively.

In case # 25AO-CR00765-01, defendant, Jayson Maloney, entered his plea of guilty to one count of Aggravated Fleeing, a class D felony, and one count of Tampering with a Motor Vehicle, a class D felony. 

The charges arose out of an incident that occurred on September 9, 2025, when the defendant led law enforcement on a high-speed chase while driving a stolen car. 

The defendant was sentenced to the Department of Corrections for a term of five years on each count. Those sentences will run concurrently.

These cases reflect the Jasper County Prosecutor’s ongoing commitment to punishing those who resist arrest or assault law enforcement officers.

Probable cause claim: Joplin woman stole $13,000 from her daughter for Downstream Casino jaunt

A Joplin woman stole $13,000 from her daughter's home in Carl Junction to finance a gambling trip to Downstream Casino, according to a probable cause statement filed today in Jasper County Circuit Court.

The Jasper County Prosecuting Attorney filed a stealing charge against Cynthia L. Pearson-Shields (DOB 1977).

From the probable cause statement:

Between 10/29/2025 and 11/05/2025, the victims were out of state, and during that time Cynthia L. (Pearson) Shields was responsible for caring for their residence and admitted she was repeatedly inside their home. The suspect is the victim’s mother. 

Shields stated the residence was secured by a coded door lock and that the door code was sent directly to her by the victim via text message on 10/29/2025. 

Upon the victims’ return on 11/05/2025, a Sentry Safe cash box containing approximately $13,000 in U.S. currency was discovered missing, with no signs of forced entry and no other significant property taken. 

Shields initially denied knowing the location of the stolen cash box or the coffee container used to store change which was on top of the cash box. The coffee container would have had to be moved in order to access the cash box.

Shields stated in a text message to the victim that she did not know what change bucket investigators were referring to. During a later interview conducted by Det. Dagnan, Shields stated she would not be surprised if her fingerprints were found on the change container and admitted she had been inside the office where the safe was kept, had moved furniture in that room, and may have handled the container that had to be moved, 

Shields’ other son, Avien Shields, stated he was inside the residence on only one occasion without his mother during the time the victims were gone and denied any knowledge of the cash box or change container, denied taking any money, and stated that his mother had a gambling problem, and he did not
believe she was employed during this period of time. 

On 10/30/2025 Shields won a documented casino jackpot in the amount of $2,500 at Downstream Casino. 

Another witness, Jodee Halverson stated that she had accompanied Shields to the victim’s residence during the vacation period and remained in the vehicle while Shields entered the victim’s home alone, and that Shields returned with money which she handed out so they could go to the casino. 

A cosmetic item that had been left inside the residence for return was also discovered missing. Shields later admitted to the victim after being confronted, that she took that item. Shields provided inconsistent statements regarding who was present at the residence, the vehicles used, and the dates of entry.

Department of Natural Resources awards $50,000 grant to City of Carterville

(From the Missouri Department of Natural Resources)

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has awarded a $50,000 Clean Water Engineering Report Grant to the city of Carterville to evaluate the city’s wastewater system.

Through its Clean Water Engineering Report Grant program, the department offers funding to qualified small communities to help with evaluating public wastewater system improvements. The city will use the grant to identify wastewater system improvements needed to continue reliable service to the area, meet permit requirements and reduce inflow and infiltration of stormwater into sewer collection pipes. The facility plan should be complete in October 2027. 

“Investing in the wellbeing of Missouri’s infrastructure is a catalyst to economic growth and prosperity,” said Kurt Schaefer, director of the Department of Natural Resources.

Wastewater systems are essential infrastructure that support every community’s health and economic vitality. Through this grant, qualified communities can thoroughly assess their wastewater systems and identify improvements for better efficiency, effectiveness and service. 

During the assessment, communities can determine what actions are needed to address current needs and plan for future growth and development.

The department is committed to assisting Missouri communities with water and wastewater infrastructure improvement projects. Through its Financial Assistance Center, the department provides funding opportunities for qualified communities with water quality, wastewater and drinking water infrastructure needs. This project will be funded wholly or in part with monies received from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

For more information on wastewater and drinking water funding opportunities, visit dnr.mo.gov/water/what-were-doing/state-revolving-fund-srf.       

Seneca Police Department ends use of Flock cameras

 

KOAM reports this evening that the Seneca Police Department will no longer be using Flock cameras.

From KOAM:

Beyond the technical and customer service issues, Chief  (James) Altic expressed concerns about reports of camera misuse throughout the country. These reports reinforced his decision to discontinue the program.

"There will have to be some legislation passed," he said. "There should have to be some better guidelines down the road. We do not want to be put in a position where there could possibly be anybody in the area that could get these cameras compromised."

The use of the Flock cameras has come under fire in many communities across the country, including Joplin, where a police officer was fired in January for allegedly misusing the license reading device.

The department became aware of problems with Flock due to a series of blog posts by Deflock Joplin Today, a blog that has investigated the use of Flock in Joplin for the past few months.

That investigation, which included public information requests to both the city and other government organizations, indicates the scope of the problems that face the City of Joplin and the Police Department.

These include a possible major lawsuit from at least one person who appears to have been stalked by the officer in question, with an apparent 395 license plate checks over a 14-month period that were labeled as "investigation."

(Screenshot from Flock Safety web page)

Carthage woman bound over for trial on second-degree murder charge

Candida Hudson, 39, Carthage, waived her preliminary hearing today in Jasper County Circuit Court and was bound over for trial for second-degree murder and armed criminal action in connection with the December 12 shooting death of her boyfriend, Donald Webb.

Her arraignment is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. March 9 in Division 2.

Hudson claimed Webb committed suicide, according to the probable cause statement, but the Carthage Police Department didn't believe her version of events.

Hudson was taken for questioning and consented to gunshot residue tests, according to the probable cause statement, which showed residue on her left hand. Photos of her hands were taken, showing "visible blood."

From the probable cause statement:

During the interview, Hudson provided the following account:

She arrived home from work at 1745 hours and encountered Webb, her boyfriend of approximately one year, who appeared intoxicated. Webb had recently lost his jobs and was storing belongings in her apartment.

Hudson described ongoing conflicts related to Webb's alcohol use. She stated that an argument ensued during which Webb threatened suicide. She locked the balcony door while he smoked outside, then allowed him back inside.

Hudson further stated that Webb retrieved a firearm from the coffee table, removed it from its holster, and pressed it to his head. She attempted to intervene by grabbing the firearm with both hands, but Webb allegedly pulled it away with one hand and moved to the opposite end of the couch.

Hudson claim Webb then pulled the trigger, resulting in a self-inflicted gunshot wound. She denied owning or possessing any firearms and stated this was the only firearm in the residence, though she admitted knowing Webb had brought multiple firearms into the home on prior occasions.
Hudson reported calling 911 immediately, checking for vital signs as instructed and attempting to move Webb to the floor for CPR, but she claimed she was unable to do so due to his size.

Several inconsistencies and evidentiary contradictions were noted during the interview and subsequent scene analysis, establishing probable cause that Hudson's account was fabricated and she intentionally discharged the firearm resulting in Webb's death.The probable cause statement then detailed the alleged inconsistencies. Hudson had gunshot residue on her left hand, while Webb didn't have any residue on either hand.

This contradicts her claim of Webb firing the weapon himself.

The gun had blood on the right side of its frame, while there was no blood on the left side, indicating the shooter was left-handed, the statement said.

Hudson is larger than Webb, the statement said, questioning Hudson's claims that Webb could have taken the gun from her using one hand or that she couldn't move him from the couch to the floor after the shooting.The probable cause statement also noted Hudson's behavior.

Hudson displayed minimal remorse, referred to Webb in the past tense shortly after the incident and became defensive when confronted with discrepancies.

Charges filed after alleged sexual assault in MSSU dorm room

A Butterfield man was charged with sodomy today after allegedly assaulting a woman in a Missouri Southern State University dormitory room December 9.

An arrest warrant was issued for Louie Sanchez (DOB 2001) with bond set at $3,000 cash or $2,500 surety.

The probable cause statement, which was filed in Jasper County Circuit Court, detailed the allegation against Sanchez.

On December 10, 2025, Officer Poe #836 responded to a report of sexual assault involving Victim 1
and LS. Victim 1 reported that on December 9, 2025, after LS drove her back to her dorm following
a final exam, she was ill, running a fever, and believed she had COVID. 

She stated she informed LS she was sick; however, he entered her dorm room after stating he did not care. Victim 1 reported that while inside her room, LS intentionally touched her vaginal area underneath her clothing. She stated she repeatedly told him to stop and that he should not be doing that. 

Victim 1 said the contact continued for several hours. She reported feeling physically weak, feverish, and hallucinating, and stated she was unable to physically resist due to her illness. Victim 1 further stated she felt unable to refuse LS entry or contact due to prior incidents in which he threatened self-harm when she set boundaries. She reported no penetration occurred, describing the contact as “just shy of it.” 

Victim 1 declined a forensic exam but stated she wished to pursue charges. She reported this was not the first instance of LS touching her in a sexual manner without consent. Contact was attempted with LS by
phone. LS terminated the call after contact was made.

The case was investigated by the Missouri Southern State University Police Department.

Joplin man charged with molesting child for three years

The Newton County Prosecuting Attorney's office filed statutory sodomy and child molestation charges against Gregory H. Nally (DOB 1999), Joplin, who allegedly assaulted a child from the time she was age 12 to age 15.

According to the probable cause statement, Nally threatened to hurt the child if she told anyone.

Webb City man charged with felony sexual abuse

The Newton County Prosecuting Attorney's office filed a second-degree sexual abuse charge Wednesday against a Webb City man who allegedly molested a sleeping woman in a Neosho home.

According to the probable cause statement, the woman awakened to find the hand of Gary Dean Allen (DOB 2001) down the front of her pajama shorts making contact with her vaginal area.

{She} reported that she did not consent to this sexual contact and was asleep when it occurred. {She} further provided investigators with text message exchanges between herself and Mr. Allen following the incident. 

In these messages, Mr. Allen admitted that his actions were wrong, acknowledged touching {her} while she was asleep, and stated that he was too much of a "bitch" to have asked her, indicating knowledge of the lack of consent at the time of the offense.

Carthage R-9 Board accepts three teacher resignations, hires assistant band director

The Carthage R-9 Board of Education met in regular session on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, 6:00 pm, at the Carthage South Technical Center – Community Room. Present were board members Ms. Niki Cloud, Mr. Ryan Collier, Mrs. Lora Phelps, Dr. Mark Westhoff, Mr. Jeff Jones, and Mr. Patrick Scott. Ms. Maria Sanchez was absent. Ms. Niki Cloud led the Pledge of Allegiance.

The Board approved the Consent Agenda for the purpose of approving the meeting agenda, minutes of previous open session meetings and work session, payment of bills, district financial report, and
student ridership count for 2025-2026.

Jason McVey, Carthage community member spoke to the Board of Education regarding the Beacon Autism Center and Pleasant Valley Elementary School.

Dr. Luke Boyer, Superintendent, provided the Board information regarding the revised policies and
regulation for their consideration of adoption.

Mrs. Crystal Brown, Carthage R-9 Foundation Director, provided a Carthage R-9 School Foundation
update stating the major saver campaign and trivia night fundraiser were a success. For information
regarding the Flanigan speech contest, Boylan art and writing contest, and Raise The Curtain campaign contact Mrs. Brown.

Dr. Holley Goodnight, Assistant Superintendent for Business, provided the Board information regarding the retiree health and Guardian Insurance automatic payment via ACH forms.

The Board approved April 20, 2026, as the date for the annual reorganization of the Board of Education.

Dr. Goodnight presented the school districts acceptable usage policy to the Board.

Dr. Boyer shared Gift of Life – Learn Life Savers information with the Board.

Dr. Boyer and the Board discussed district restructuring options.

Dr. Boyer presented his report to the Board.

Dr. Boyer and the Board amended the 2025-2026 Board of Education meeting schedule with changing the March meeting to Thursday, March 12, 2026.

The Board met in closed session immediately following the regular meeting to discuss legal, personnel, and student matters in compliance with Section 610.021 (1), (3), and (6) of the Revised Statutes of Missouri.

In closed session the Board approved the following personnel actions:

Approved the employment of certified, support, and substitute staff as presented contingent upon
receiving a clear criminal record check from the Missouri Highway Patrol and Federal Bureau of
Investigation, and a clear check of the Adult Abuse/Neglect Registry maintained by the Missouri
Department of Social Services for all employees new to the district:

Certified Hire

Alicyn Quick, assistant band director, Carthage High School

Support Hire

Leasa Evans, practical nursing instructor (part time), Carthage Technical Center-North

Briana Camfield, special education paraprofessional, Steadley Elementary

Shelda Dudley, special education paraprofessional (autism), Columbian Elementary

Delanee Chapman, special education paraprofessional, Steadley Elementary

Damaris Sonnier, administrative assistant-bilingual

Lola Wilhelm, operations administrative assistant (part time), Administration

Tiffany Judd, cook, Carthage Intermediate Center

Substitute Hire

Aubrie Fewin

Certified Transfer

Ryan Mankin, special education teacher, Carthage High School

Grant Collier, physical education teacher, Carthage Intermediate Center

Shanna Pugh, instructional facilitator (literacy emphasis)

Support Modification

Kelli Tandy, bus aide

Doug Ritchie, HVAC instructor, Tech Center-North

Christina Bunker, substitute bus driver

Certified Resignation

Courtney Martinie, FACS teacher, Carthage Technical Center/Carthage High School

Melissa Earl, second grade teacher, Steadley Elementary

Roxanne Shrewsberry, special education teacher, Sixth Grade Center

Substitute Resignation

Kyle Reed