NEWS RELEASE
For further information please contact:
Capt. J. Tim Hull
(573) 526-6115
Q11068
November 15, 2006
EMPHASIS: Colonel James Keathley Shares Investigation Successes With Public
Colonel James F. Keathley, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol would like to inform the public of the progress relative to the following, significant cases. He also recognizes the efforts and success of the troopers within the Division of Drug and Crime Control and our road officers. All of these accomplishments took place from September 1, 2006 to the present.
The Highway Patrol’s criminal investigators have been responsible for the following:
* Arrest made in homicide investigation in Clinton County.
* Arrest made in the Freda Heyn homicide.
* Arrest made in John Garrett homicide.
* Arrest made in Pulaski County homicide.
* Arrest made in Schuyler County homicide.
* Assisted with an investigation where an arrest was made in Saline County homicide case.
* Assistance led to arrest in Killeen, Texas, homicide case.
*Closed six additional death investigations after determining cause of death to be accidental, drug overdose, or suicide.
* Continue to investigate homicide in Knox County; double homicide in Daviess County; and homicide in Andrew County.
* Investigators assisted in the investigation and recovery of an infant in a Franklin County kidnapping. One arrest was made.
* Investigation in Macon County led to the arrest of a former police chief for child sexual abuse.
* Columbus, Ohio, Police Department requested assistance. This led to the confession of child sexual abuse and arrest of Cole County man.
* Investigators continue to work a case involving the theft of tractors valued at $100,000, in Texas County.
* Since September 1, 2006, investigations by the Patrol and the Governor’s Cattle Theft Task Force have led to the recovery of more than 100 head of cattle and several arrests.
Narcotics officers have accomplished the following:
* The interdiction of 13 kilos of cocaine by Missouri troopers initiated an investigation, which resulted in two arrests in Long Island, NY. Continued follow up led to the arrest of two subjects on state homicide charges in Phoenix, AZ.
* Greene County interdiction of two pounds of black tar heroin initiated an investigation leading to a controlled delivery and arrest in St. Louis, MO.
* Undercover drug buys led to the arrest of 11 individuals in Howell County.
* Undercover officers entered the Schwagstock festival in Shannon County, where approximately 5,000 individuals gathered. Undercover officers witnessed hundreds of people openly using and dealing illegal drugs. These officers relayed information to Troop G road officers who, in turn, stopped individuals as they left the compound. This investigation led to 49 misdemeanor drug arrests and 22 felony drug arrests.
In addition to the interdiction successes listed, troopers patrolling Missouri’s highways have seized weapons, drugs, and money during traffic stops. During September and October 2006, while making “routine” traffic violation stops, instincts and investigative skills led troopers to contraband in 26 instances. During this two-month period, a total of 23 kilos of cocaine, over 809 pounds of marijuana, 17 pounds of heroin, 20 ecstacy pills, over $50,000 in cash, over two pounds of crystal methamphetamine, and five firearms were seized as a result of traffic stops. In some instances, Patrol canines assisted troopers; other times, commercial vehicle officers played a role.
“Traffic/work zone enforcement and addressing crimes against persons and property are two of four areas the Patrol will focus upon during my administration,” said Colonel Keathley. “Our Division of Drug and Crime Control complements our road officers in fighting and investigating crime. The Patrol will continue working to keep Missouri a safe place to live, work, and raise a family.”