News Release



For further information please contact: Sgt. Larry W. Plunkett, Jr (573) 840-9500 plunkl@mshp.state.mo.us

#: 2004-12-02

Date: December 3, 2004



EMPHASIS: Doniphan Man Arrested in Theft Investigation in Troop E



At approximately 4:15 p.m., December 1, 2004, officers from the Doniphan Police Department, Ripley County Sheriff’s Office, the Missouri State Highway Patrol and its Division of Drug and Crime Control served a search warrant at the residence of Mr. Michael Ray Smock and a storage building located within the city limits of Doniphan, MO. The warrant and subsequent arrest of Smock were the result of an ongoing investigation into a suspected long-term theft involving Doniphan R-1 Public Schools. Mr. Smock was a long-term employee of the Doniphan school district and served as the director of the Current River Area Vocational Schools at the time of the warrant.



Investigators from the Patrol’s D/DCC unit were asked to assist in the investigation by the Doniphan Police Department after information was received from Doniphan R-1 Superintendent, Mr. Steve Bounds. According to investigators, information was received suspecting Smock had conducted fraudulent purchases and transactions through the vocational school over the previous three and a half year period. Those purchases included complete computer systems, computer components, construction equipment, hand tools, and other various items. Although the exact dollar amount has yet to be determined, investigators believe property may exceed $200,000 in value based on those items already recovered and other evidence not listed.



Following the search of the residence and storage area, Smock was placed under arrest for numerous charges, including two felony counts of stealing. Smock was taken into custody and is being held at the Doniphan City Jail.



The investigation in this matter is still ongoing and officers are seeking additional information and witnesses. Anyone with information concerning this matter, or who may have purchased or received items directly from Smock, is encouraged to contact the Doniphan Police Department, Ripley County Sheriff’s Department, or the Missouri State Highway Patrol at 573-840-9500.



The charges for which Smock has been arrested are mere accusation and are not evidence of guilt. Evidence in support of the charges must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.