Taney County, Missouri - Taney County Sheriff's Office

Thefts from vehicles Posted by: Jimmie Russell on February 21, 2013 at 10:05 AM

At approx. 4:30 pm. this morning, Taney County Deputies arrested two men, a 26 year old and a 28 year old, from Independence, Mo. for breaking into vehicles at residences. Deputies have linked them to breaking into vehicles on F Highway, Mo. 176, and the H highway areas in Taney County. We recovered items believed to be stolen from these areas along with other items believed to be stolen but may have not yet been reported. If you have a vehicle that was broken into sometime last night, please contact the Taney County Sheriff�s Office at 417-546-7250 to make a report.

Jimmie Russell, Sheriff

Pursuit into Christian County Posted by: Jimmie Russell on December 6, 2012 at 06:45 AM

On Dec. 12, 2012 at approx. 0100 am. Taney County Deputies responded to an assault call on Bee Creek Road north of Branson, Mo.

On arrival the suspect was in a vehicle. When he seen Deputies he attempted to run over a Deputy who was out of his vehicle on foot and struck a Sheriff�s patrol car. Deputies pursued the suspect north on U.S. 65 to Bear Creek and then west on several county roads. During the pursuit the suspect hit two more Sheriff�s patrol cars. The pursuit finally ended in Christian County on Shire Court approx. 6 miles southeast of Highlandville. The suspect ran from his vehicle on foot. Taney County Deputies and Christian County Deputies are searching the area with bloodhounds at this time.

The suspect is a 36 year old Johnny Dell Bryan from Hollister, Mo. (Photo attached) There is an outstanding warrant for Mr. Bryan for a prior resisting arrest. If you see Mr. Bryan please call the Taney County Sheriff�s Office or your local law enforcement agency.

Jimmie Russell, Sheriff

Burglaries in Eastern Taney County Posted by: Jimmie Russell on November 2, 2012 at 01:27 PM

On Nov. 1, 2012, a Taney County Deputy investigating several burglaries in the eastern Taney County area arrested two men from the Kissee Mills area. A 27 year old male and a 30 year old male have been taken into custody in connection to at least 6 residential burglaries. Some of the property taken from these burglaries has been recovered and returned to the owners. Property stolen and recovered includes guns, televisions, tools, atv�s, and hunting equipment. Both men are being held in the Taney County Jail waiting the filing of formal charges.

Jimmie Russell, Sheriff

Possible attempted child abductions Posted by: Jimmie Russell on August 17, 2012 at 05:28 PM

The Taney County Sheriff�s Office has taken two calls today of possible attempted child abductions.

The first occurred at approx. 1:30 pm. on Norman Road near Kirbyville. A white male and female pulled up to a residence where two children were playing in the yard. The female attempted to lure the children to the vehicle by asking if they had seen her dog. The couple was driving a blue mini van with possibly a black hood.

The second incident occurred at approx. 4:30 pm. on Hulls Ford Road near Taneyville. A child walking on Hulls Ford Road was approached by a female driving a blue mini van with �Rogersville� above the rear license plate. The female asked the child if he had seen her dog and then asked where he was going. When the child said he was going home the female repeatedly tried to get the child to get in the van with her so she could take him to his home. When the child turned and walked away the female in the van left.

If anyone sees a blue mini van with the word �Rogersville� above the rear license plate please contact the Taney County Sheriff�s Office or your local law enforcement agency immediately.

Jimmie Russell, Sheriff

Storm damage final update Posted by: Jimmie Russell on August 4, 2012 at 10:44 PM

Storm damage final update

Round Mountain Road and Goodnight Hollow Road are now open to at least one lane. All homes have been checked with only the one home with damage.

The only other damage reported was a barn collapse on Nicks Road in Bradleyville.

Jimmie Russell, Sheriff

Storm damage Posted by: Jimmie Russell on August 4, 2012 at 09:40 PM

The Taney County Sheriff�s Office received reports of storm damage in the area of Goodnight Hollow Road and Round Mountain Roads off of Mo. 176 north of Walnut Shade, Mo.

Deputies on scene report numerous trees down and one residence damaged. There has been a report of one injury to a homeowner, however, they have refused medical treatment. Deputies have had to access the damaged home on foot. They are still attempting to access other areas on the east end of Round Mountain Road to access damage there.

Western Fire Rescue is also on scene as well as Taney County Road and Bridge crews.

This storm has moved into the northeast part of Taney County, however, another storm is now moving into the same area of the county that the damage is in.

I will update you as more information comes in.

Jimmie Russell, Sheriff

Storm damage update 1 Posted by: Jimmie Russell on August 4, 2012 at 09:41 PM

Storm damage update 9:31 pm.

We now have a report of a barn collapsed and trees down on Nicks Road in Bradleyville. Storm is continuing to the east.

Jimmie Russell, Sheriff

Bank Robbery update Posted by: Jimmie Russell on July 31, 2012 at 08:50 AM

Money stolen from the First Home Savings on 7-30-12 has been recovered by Taney County Deputies.

Sheriff Jimmie Russell

Bank Robbery Posted by: Jimmie Russell on July 31, 2012 at 08:48 AM

On July 30, 2012 at approx. 12:35 pm., the Taney County Sheriff�s Office received a 911 call of a bank robbery at the First Home Savings Bank at Kissee Mills Jct. 3 miles east of Forsyth on U.S. 160.

Taney County Deputies responded to the bank. Tellers advised that a white male with a t-shirt around his head, wearing shorts, no shoes, had entered the bank and demanded money be placed in a bag. He indicated that he had a gun but none was displayed. The suspect then left walking east on U.S. 160. After a long search in the area, the suspect was not located.

Taney County Deputies, assisted by the Missouri State Highway Patrol, were able to identify the suspect from video from the bank and information from the investigation. At 1907 pm. Deputies located the suspect on Beaver Creek just off of Patterson Road east of Taneyville. After a brief struggle, the suspect, a 43 year old male from Kissee Mills, was taken into custody. He is currently in the Taney County Jail awaiting the formal filing of charges.

No one was injured in the robbery. An undisclosed amount of cash was taken in the robbery.

Jimmie Russell, Sheriff

Children left in vehicle Posted by: Jimmie Russell on June 22, 2012 at 09:38 AM

As the temperatures heat up this weekend, please remember the hazards associated with the heat. The interior of vehicles setting in the sun will very quickly heat up to over 130 degrees. Never leave children or pets in a closed vehicle and you should never leave children unattended in a vehicle at any time. Exposure to the extreme heat within a closed vehicle in the sun can quickly result in severe medical problems or death.

If you should observe a child left unattended in a closed vehicle please call the Taney County Sheriff�s Office or your local law enforcement immediately.

Jimmie Russell, Sheriff

Fight resulting in Stabbing Posted by: Jimmie Russell on June 13, 2012 at 09:59 AM

On June 12, 2012 at approx. 1021 pm., the Taney County Sheriff�s Office received a 911 call of a fight possibly resulting in a stabbing in the area of 141 Montgomery Drive, Branson.

Upon arrival Taney County Deputies found 46 year old Michael James Fair of Branson suffering from an approx. 5 inch cut to his neck and a stab wound to his back. Mr. Fair was transported by TCAD to a helicopter and flown to a hospital in Springfield.

Allegedly, Mr. Fair came to the residence and got into a physical confrontation with a 51 year old male. While they were fighting a 48 year old female went into the residence, grabbed a knife, and came back out to where the men were fighting. She then cut Mr. Fair�s neck and stabbed him in the back. Mr. Fair then ran for help.

The 48 year old female was arrested by Deputies and transported to the Taney County Jail awaiting the formal filing of charges by the Prosecutor.

Jimmie Russell, Sheriff

Taney County Sheriff's smartphone app available Posted by: Jimmie Russell on June 8, 2012 at 09:53 AM

The Taney County Sheriff�s Office has launched a new smartphone app that allows the office to communicate much more effectively with the community. This new app is free and is currently available for the Android smart devices and will be available for the iPhone devices in approx. 4 weeks. You can now go to the Google Play Store and enter MOTaneySO to download your free app on your Android smart device.

The app will allow the public immediate access to our inmate lists, most wanted criminals, warrants list (available next week), press releases, as well as receive emergency notifications of such things as criminal activity that would pose a public threat or people or vehicles we are looking for. We will also be able to send out weather alerts or flooding alerts. (I do recommend that the public always rely on the National Weather Service for these alerts as they are the most immediate to put these out. We receive our information from them.) The app is also fully integrated with the county�s victim notification service, VINE (Victim Information and Notification Everyday) so that victims can receive information concerning their case and be notified if a suspect has bonded from jail, new court dates, etc.

Appriss Go Mobile, who is providing this app to Taney County free of charge, is also working on a section to provide a map that will link into our Offender Data Base so that, through the GPS locator, you will be able to tell where our registered Offenders live in comparison to where you are at any time. This will be very beneficial for such activities from parents that are taking their children through neighborhoods Trick or Treating to Reality Agents listing homes throughout the County. When this part of the app is fully developed in the near future, it will also be available.

We know that more and more people are receiving information they need from their smartphone. I want to make sure that the Taney County Sheriff�s Office is using the latest communications technology to keep the public informed, and this app lets us do that.

Jimmie Russell, Sheriff

Taney County Sheriff's
VINE Mobile App for Android!

Fatal Fire Investigation Posted by: Jimmie Russell on June 6, 2012 at 07:59 AM

The Taney County Sheriff�s Office is investigating circumstance surrounding the fatal fire that destroyed a home at 2328 State Highway 376, Branson, Mo. on May 30, 2012.

Through this investigation, on June 5, 2012, Taney County Sheriff�s Deputies have taken a 12 year old juvenile into custody in connection to the fire and turn the juvenile over to the Taney County Juvenile Office.

The Taney County Sheriff�s Office is still awaiting the official autopsy results. This case is still under investigation.

Jimmie Russell, Sheriff

Copper Wire Theft Suspect Arrested Posted by: Jimmie Russell on June 5, 2012 at 09:58 AM

On June 4, 2012 at approx. 0315 am. the Taney County Sheriff�s Office received a 911 call of a possible stealing in progress at Empire District Electric located at 1902 State Highway BB. The caller gave a vehicle description and that the vehicle was going toward Hollister on BB.

Taney County Sheriff�s Dispatch advised the Hollister Police Dept. of the situation. Hollister Police officers stopped and detained the suspect vehicle for Taney County Deputies. When Taney County Deputies arrived they found that the vehicle was loaded with copper wire believed to have been taken from Empire Electric. An employee of Empire Electric arrived and identified the wire in the vehicle as being stolen from spools at the Electric Company. Three people were detained at the scene. They were 48 year old Robert Doughten of Branson, and a 15 year old and 12 year old juveniles.

Taney County Deputies recovered a total of $2957.19 worth of copper wire from the vehicle and Mr. Doughtens residence. Mr. Doughten is currently being held in the Taney County Jail on several charges including felony stealing $10,000 bond in Taney County, warrants from Jackson County and Scott Co. for bad checks, and three traffic warrants from Wright Co.

Jimmie Russell, Sheriff

Drug Search Warrant near Branson Posted by: Jimmie Russell on June 1, 2012 at 10:01 PM

During the early morning hours of May 30, 2012, Taney County Deputies served a drug search warrant at 186 Humanity Lane off of East Mo. 76 near Branson. As a result of this search warrant, Taney County Deputies seized methamphetamine, methamphetamine paraphernalia, marijuana, scales, plastic baggies, cutting agents, and surveillance cameras. Two people at the residence, 28 year old Marty R. Neal and 28 year old Joanna L. Neal, were arrested and transported to the Taney County Jail. Both have been charged with felony possession of a controlled substance and both are being held on a $75,000 bond each.

Jimmie Russell, Sheriff

Drug Search warrant at 302 Twin Oaks, Kirbyville, Mo Posted by: Jimmie Russell on April 25, 2012 at 03:37 PM

On April 23, 2012, Taney County Deputies served a drug search warrant at 302 Twin Oaks, Kirbyville, Mo. Seized as a result of this search warrant was marijuana, methamphetamine, and drug paraphernalia.

A female, 52 year old Terry Epperson, of Kirbyville was arrested and transported to the Taney County Jail. She has been charged with Felony Possession of a controlled substance and felony possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. She is currently being held on a $25,000 bond.

Also arrested at the scene is 36 year old William Hix of Rockaway Beach. He has been charged with Felony possession of a controlled substance. He is being held in the Taney County Jail on a $25,000 bond.

Jimmie Russell, Sheriff

3rd. Drug Search Warrant served Posted by: Jimmie Russell on April 20, 2012 at 09:30 AM

On 04-18-12 Taney County Sheriff�s Deputies served a drug search warrant at 489 Hidden Valley Road, lot #34, in Hollister, Mo. Located in the residence, as a result of this search warrant, was methamphetamine, marijuana, methamphetamine paraphernalia and marijuana paraphernalia. A 50 year old male, living at the residence, was arrested and transported to the Taney County Jail. He is being held waiting the formal filing of charges.

Jimmie Russell, Sheriff

Drug Search Warrants served Posted by: Jimmie Russell on April 19, 2012 at 02:47 PM

On 04-17-12, Taney County Deputies served two drug search warrants in Taney Co.

The first search warrant was served at 362 Sassafras Court near Hollister, Mo. Found at this location was several prescription medications and methamphetamine. A 46 year old male, John Menezes, was taken into custody. He was charged with 2 counts of felony possession of a controlled substance. A warrant was issued, bond was set at $10,000. He posted bond through a bondsman and was released on 04-18-12.

The second search warrant was served at 4173 Oakwood Lane in Merriam Woods. Found at this residence was cocaine paraphernalia and marijuana. A report has been sent to the Taney County Prosecutor for the filing of charges.

Jimmie Russell, Sheriff

Vehicle Thefts Posted by: Jimmie Russell on April 5, 2012 at 03:48 PM

Taney County Sheriff�s Office

PRESS RELEASE

On Feb. 5, 2012 Taney County Deputies arrested an 18 year old male from Kissee Mills and a 16 year old male from Taneyville in connection to the investigation of the theft of 9 vehicles over the past 3 months. The 16 year old juvenile male has been connected to the theft of 5 of the cars and the 18 year old male connected to the theft of 7 cars and a burglary of a convenience store in the Forsyth area.

With the investigation continuing, another 16 year old juvenile male from Kissee Mills was arrested on Monday in connection to the theft of 3 of the cars.

The two 16 year old juveniles have been turned over to the Taney County Juvenile office and the 18 year old male remains in the Taney County Jail awaiting the formal filing of charges.

The 9 vehicles that were stolen over the 3 month period were stolen from the Kissee Mills and Forsyth area. All 9 cars had the keys left in them and unlocked. The cars were stolen and driven for several hours and then left abandoned. All 9 cars have been recovered.

I want to remind the public that when you park your vehicle, please lock it and take the keys out. Also remove any valuables such as money, computers, purses, electronics, or any other items of value that can be quickly stolen if someone gains entry into your vehicle.

Jimmie Russell, Sheriff

Pursuit Posted by: Jimmie Russell on April 5, 2012 at 03:37 PM

On 12-27-11, the Taney County Sheriff�s Office received information from Eureka Springs, Ar. P.D. that they were investigating an arson in their city and was looking for a person who was possibly in our area in a pickup that had been stolen in Taney County. A Taney County Deputy located the stolen pickup on Mo. 248. When he tried to stop the truck the driver fled in the truck. The Missouri State Highway Patrol and Stone Co. Deputies set up spike strips near Reeds Spring Jct. where the truck ran off the road and the driver fled on foot. Stone County Deputies took the suspect, 35 year old Jason Sears of Omaha, Ar., into custody at a local business a short time later. The truck Sears was driving had been stolen from a parking lot at the intersection of U.S. 65 and Mo. 86 in Taney County.

As a result of this, Taney County Deputies contacted Eureka Springs P.D. officers with information that Taney County Deputies received after taking Sears into custody. A search warrant of a business in Eureka Springs was served resulting in the recovery of two stolen trailers from Taney County, a tailgate stolen from a new truck at Pinegar Chevrolet and a tailgate stolen from a new truck at Tri Lakes Ford. Other stolen items from other jurisdictions was also recovered. The investigation will continue into this case.

Agencies involved include Taney County Sheriff�s Office, Stone County Sheriff�s Office, Eureka Springs, Ar. P.D., Carroll County, Ar. Sheriff�s Office, and Missouri State Highway Patrol.

Pursuit followup Posted by: Jimmie Russell on April 5, 2012 at 03:42 PM

The investigation continues into the theft ring discovered after a Dec. 27 pursuit by Taney County Deputies ended with Jason Sears arrested. On Jan. 5, 2012, Taney County Deputies traveled to Oklahoma to assist authorities there with more search warrants that were issued in this case. Numerous stolen items were recovered including more tailgates, another set of tires and wheels from Tri-Lakes Motors, trailers, a Volvo skidsteer loader stolen from Hollister, large custom made gates with metal artwork on them stolen from Stone Co., and several other items. Other items identified as being stolen from Arkansas and Oklahoma were also recovered. The investigation is still continuing and a complete list of recovered items will be compiled and released at the end of the investigation. So far stolen items have been recovered in several different areas of Missouri, Arkansas, and Oklahoma. Several law enforcement agencies have been involved. Taney County Deputies worked throughout the night and are on their way back to Taney County with some of the stolen items. Other items are being held by Oklahoma authorities until owners can haul the larger items back. Any owners of the property recovered will be contacted by the Taney County Sheriff�s Office as to when and where they can pickup their property.

Jimmie Russell, Sheriff

Items Recovered from Theft Ring Posted by: Jimmie Russell on April 5, 2012 at 03:45 PM

Taney County Sheriff�s Office

PRESS RELEASE

This is a follow up to the recovery of stolen items that began with a pursuit on Dec. 27, 2011 at the request of news media.

Taney County Deputies, assisted by law enforcement agencies in Arkansas and Oklahoma, have recovered numerous stolen items. Recovered items stolen from Taney County alone totaled approx. $89,000. This includes the following items:

3 enclosed cargo trailers
1 car tow dolly
1 pickup truck
1 Volvo skidsteer loader
5 new truck tailgates
17 new tires
17 new wheels
Large amount of outdoor Christmas decorations

Also recovered were numerous items stolen from other jurisdictions in Missouri, Arkansas, and Oklahoma.

Arrested for the thefts in Taney County are the following:

Jason Lindley Sears, 35 yoa, from Omaha, Ar. Charged with 7 counts of 1st. degree tampering with a vehicle, 3 counts felony stealing, resisting arrest, total bond of $125,000 and out of state fugitive (no bond) (In Taney County Jail)

Sheila Machele Kelley, 46 yoa., from Branson, Mo. charged with 1st. degree tampering with a vehicle and felony stealing, total bond $75,0000 (In Taney County Jail)

Edward Lee Arnold, 25 yoa., from Western Grove, Ar., charged with felony stealing, bond $25,000. Posted bond and released.

Jimmy Harper, 48 yoa. From Harrison, Ar., charged with 2nd degree tampering with vehicle and misd. drug possession, warrant issued, not in custody.

Investigation continues.

Jimmie Russell, Sheriff

Drug Search Warrant Posted by: Jimmie Russell on April 5, 2012 at 03:50 PM

Taney County Sheriff�s Office

PRESS RELEASE

On Feb. 9, 2012, Taney County Deputies served a search warrant for illegal drugs at 2021 Oremus Road in Forsyth, Mo.

Seized as a result of this search warrant is approx. 1 � pounds of what is believed to be marijuana, scales, plastic baggies, drug paraphernalia, and $800 in cash. A 19 year old male was arrested and is being held in the Taney County Jail awaiting the filing of charges.

The investigation is continuing and other arrests are possible.

Jimmie Russell, Sheriff

Tornado Recovery Posted by: Jimmie Russell on April 5, 2012 at 03:51 PM

TANEY COUNTY SHERIFF�S

PRESS RELEASE

Since the early morning hours of Feb. 29th. Taney County Deputies have been posted in all unincorporated areas of Taney County affected by the tornado. Their goal is to maintain security over the personal property of those that had damage from the tornado and to keep roads clear and safe for the recovery process so the utility companies, road crews, and cleanup crews can work safely and efficiently. Deputies have also been assigned to work with the Branson Police Dept. to assist with security within the city limits of Branson during this time.

As of this afternoon, all personal property in the affected areas has been secured with NO reports of any looting in the unincorporated areas of Taney County. Deputies will maintain increased patrols in these areas during the restoration of utilities and cleanup operations.

With the Mount Branson area (Mo. 76 and Candlestick Road) having such narrow access roads throughout the damaged areas, Deputies will maintain a post on Candlestick Road only allowing minimum access by vehicle. All volunteers will need to park and walk in to keep the roads open for utility companies and road crews. Vehicles used to haul debris will be allowed in. Of course all homeowners, utility company crews, etc. will be allowed in.

The people living in these areas, as well as the Taney County Sheriff�s Office, appreciate your patience while this work is ongoing.

I would like to thank the public for all of the support that has been shown to all of the victims as well as the emergency workers as this event has taken place. It speaks greatly for the quality of people that we have living here for there to have been no reports of looting in the County during this disaster. There has been an overwhelming number of people out helping neighbors through this.

Jimmie Russell, Sheriff

Tornado Information Posted by: Jimmie Russell on April 5, 2012 at 03:54 PM

As we work through the tornado disaster that has hit the Branson and Taney County residents, I want the victims of this to know that the Taney County Sheriff�s Office will maintain security on the areas that have sustained damage as long as the people need us there. We also are committed to assisting the people affected by this within Branson by assisting the Branson Police Dept. in any means possible.

There will be many very good businesses coming into our area to do cleanup and restoration. Unfortunately, with disasters that strike an area, so does people looking to unreasonably profit. This morning we had a crew show up to a house to cut a downed tree out of their yard. They told the people a price and when they finished, tried to charge them $9000.00, yes, nine thousand dollars for one tree. This type of stealing, which is what it is, will not be tolerated. We have taken a report on this company and will be turning it over to the Missouri Attorney Generals Office. We ask that all victims of the tornado make sure that when someone comes to do work for them that they make sure the company is insured and bonded. You can do this by asking for proof of this and they should produce a certificate to you. Also make sure the company has a business address. Many times the company will give you a business card that only has a cell phone number on it. This should be a red flag to you to check further to verify that they are an actual business and not someone just looking to make a profit from the disaster. Also be sure that before any work is done that you sign a contract with the company. Make sure the contract has the company information (name, address, etc.) on it as well as a well defined list of work to be performed and a cost for that work. Any company that requires you to pay for the work before it is done should not be used and should be reported. If you feel as though you have been the victim of a scam or excessively charged for services due to the tornado you should report this to the Missouri Attorney General�s Office at 1-800-392-8222 or the Taney County Sheriff�s Office at 417-546-7250.

We also want the victims of the tornado to know that if they have problems or disputes with their insurance claims that they may be able to receive help through the Missouri Dept. of Insurance at 1-800-726-7390.

Last, as a victim of the damage, if you have any questions that you need an answer to but do not know who to ask, call the Taney County Sheriff�s Office at 417-546-7250. We may not be able to answer the question but we will get you in touch with the people that can.

Jimmie Russell, Sheriff

Child Abuse Case Posted by: Jimmie Russell on April 5, 2012 at 03:55 PM

TANEY COUNTY SHERIFF�S

PRESS RELEASE

The Taney County Sheriff�s Office has been involved in an ongoing investigation into allegations of child sexual abuse involving yet another Kanakuk Camp counselor.

Three victims have come forward making allegations of sexual abuse and have identified camp counselor, Lee J. Bradberry, 22 years of age, of Auburn, Al. as the suspect. These incidents allegedly occurred while the children were at Kanakuk Camp in Branson, Mo. When Kanakuk Camp learned of the abuse, Mr. Bradberry was released from employment. The Sheriff�s Office filed a probable cause statement with the Taney County Prosecutor�s Office and charges were filed.

On March 30, 2012 Taney County Associate Circuit Judge, Tony Williams, issued a warrant for Mr. Bradberry for two counts of 1st degree Statutory Sodomy with a person less than 14 years old, one count of sexual misconduct involving a child under 15 years old, and two counts of 1st degree Child Molestation. Bond was set at $100,000.

The Taney County Sheriff�s Office contacted the Auburn, Al. Police Dept. and Mr. Bradberry was taken into custody on 04-02-12. As soon as a waiver of extradition is signed, the Sheriff�s Office will have him transported to the Taney County Jail.

Jimmie Russell, Sheriff