Sunday, March 31, 2024

Courthouse News for March 27th, 2024

On March 19th, Judge Robert Rice sentenced Michael Hull (33) of Maryville to 10 days in jail with credit for time served and 2 years probation for amended charges of Assault and DWI after the defendant pleaded guilty.

On March 20th, Gentry County Prosecutor Jessica Jones filed charges against Brandon Church (43) of Darlington alleging Forgery (Felony), No Insurance, and No Valid Motorcycle License. Bond was set at $2,000, cash or corporate surety, posted by the defendant. An affidavit from the Gentry County Sheriff’s Department alleges the defendant had placed a fake tag on their motorcycle plate. 

On March 20th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Leslie Potts (35) of Rosendale in Gentry County on charges of DWI and Careless & Imprudent Driving (Accident). The Patrol says Potts was driving a 2005 Chevy Impala eastbound on Route 136 2.5 miles north of Stanberry at around 9:18 pm when he failed to negotiate a curve, traveled off the north side of the road, and struck a ditch. Potts received moderate injuries and was taken to Mosaic in Albany. 

On March 21st, Gentry County Prosecutor Jessica Jones filed charges against Cody Peery (19) of Albany alleging Careless & Imprudent Driving (Accident) and No Seat Belt. 

On March 21st, Harrison County Prosecutor Alex Van Zandt filed charges against Tony Dittemore (31) of Trenton alleging Possession of Burglary Tools (Felony), Possession of Controlled Substance (Felony), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (Felony), and Tampering with Motor Vehicle (Felony). Bond was set at $10,000, cash only.

On March 21st, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Dieter filed charges against Suras Rostas (21) of Lebanon (OH) alleging Stealing (Felony). Bond was denied. An affidavit from the Maryville Police Department alleges that the defendant performed a sleight of hand trick to make it look like he was presenting $2,600 for a financial transaction and kept $1,000 for himself. The affidavit alleges the defendant was part of a national sleight of hand theft ring and had been barred from numerous places.

There were three 911 calls regarding a prowler between Maryville and Ravenwood recently. On March 21st, the Nodaway County Sheriff’s Department reported that someone was awakened by someone knocking at around 4:18 am on Highway F. On March 23rd, a 911 caller from Ravenwood reported that their vehicle was stolen. The vehicle was subsequently recovered in Cedar Rapids (IA). On March 24th at around 12:52 am, a resident on State Highway EE reported being awakened by someone knocking. It is unknown if the car theft is related to the prowler calls.

On March 21st, Dillon Bennett (26) of Eagleville pleaded guilty in Harrison County Circuit Court to an amended charge of Stealing and was sentenced to 8 days in jail with credit for time served by Judge Steven Hudson. 

On March 22nd, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Dieter filed charges against Albert Ferguson (39) of Maryville alleging No Valid License (Felony), Failure to Comply with Ignition Interlock Requirements, Failure to Register, and No Insurance. 

On March 23rd at around 12:08 pm, the Missouri State Highway Patrol reported that a 2020 Honda Odyssey driven by Becky Swinford (38) of Barnard was southbound and a 1998 Dodge 2500 driven by Raymond Morriss (66) of Guilford was northbound on Route N ten miles southeast of Maryville. The Odyssey crossed the center line and sideswiped the Dodge. Swinford and a 14 year old passenger received minor injuries. Morriss was not injured.

On March 23rd, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Wyatt Starmer (25) of Martinsville in Harrison County on charges of DWI and Speeding (78 mph). 

On March 23rd, the Maryville Fire Department reported that they got a call to a structure fire at University Point Apartments in Maryville. There was smoke coming from the roof of this building. Upon arrival, there were victims trapped on the second floor, unable to exit. At least seven occupants were rescued. Firefighters worked the scene for seven hours battling spread due to what the Maryville Fire Department said was old construction methods. They were subsequently dispatched again for a few flareups in concealed spaces. The Jackson Township Fire Protection District and the West Nodaway Fire Protection District assisted. There were no injuries. Northwest Missouri State and the Red Cross ensured that everyone had a place to sleep that night.

On March 25th, Judge Steven Hudson revoked Tanner Sims bond in Harrison County Circuit Court after the defendant was charged by Prosecutor Alex Van Zandt with a new charge of Violation of Protection Order. A new bond was set at $10,000, cash only, and a warrant was issued for his arrest. Sims is facing charges of Domestic Assault (Felony) and Resisting Arrest (Felony). In addition, bond for the protection order charge was set at $2,500, cash only.

On March 25th, the Missouri Independent reported that Denny Loudermill of Olathe (KS) filed a defamation lawsuit against Rep. Tim Burchett of Tennessee alleging the Congressman had falsely referred to him as one of the shooters at the Kansas City Chiefs Victory Parade and referred to him as an “illegal alien.” The lawsuit states that police detained him for “moving too slow” and that people took photos of him and shared them on social media. Loudermill was not charged. The lawsuit seeks $75,000 in damages.

On March 25th, Harrison County Prosecutor Alex Van Zandt filed charges against Levi Rodgers (27) of Bethany alleging Speeding (93 mph) and No Valid Motorcycle License. 

On March 26th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Tina Dieter filed charges against Bailey Hayworth (24) of Maryville alleging Stealing (Felony). An affidavit from the Maryville Police Department alleges that while employed at the Maryville Hy-Vee, the defendant stole at least $1,517.33 worth of merchandise from December 2023 to March 2024. Bond was set at $500 signature bond.

Charges listed are merely allegations. Evidence in support of the charges must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty it is to determine guilt or innocence. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. 


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