NEWS ALERT

For further information please contact: Sgt. D.S. Bracker
417-895-6767 ext.253
D2009-30
May 19, 2009

EMPHASIS: UPDATE: Suspects Apprehended In Heavy Equipment Theft Ring


After concluding today’s investigation, involving multiple law enforcement agencies, suspects that have been apprehended, processed, and charged for their involvement in multiple thefts of heavy equipment are listed below:

· James Robert Hopkins, 43, Springfield, MO.
8 counts -- receiving stolen property $500 or more, “C” felony, Howell County.
3 counts -- receiving stolen property $500 or more, “C” felony, Greene County.
2 counts -- receiving stolen property $500 or more, “C” felony, Polk County.
· Joshua A. Miner, 29, Pleasant Hope, MO.
1 count -- receiving stolen property $500 or more, “C” felony, Polk County.
1 count -- altering or removing item number to deprive lawful owner, “D” felony, Polk County.
· Daniel W. Dykes, 57, Springfield, MO.
1 count -- receiving stolen property $500 or more, “C” felony, Greene County.
· James Hutchison, 62, Missouri Department Of Corrections
8 counts -- receiving stolen property $500 or more, “C” felony, Howell County.
· Jasper L. Henson Jr., 61, unknown address.
1 count -- receiving stolen property $500 or more, “C” felony, Polk County.
1 count -- altering or removing item number to deprive lawful owner, “D” felony, Polk County.
· Jayme D. Minor, age unknown, Pleasant Hope, MO.
2 -- Served summons for criminal case, receiving stolen property, removing item number.
· Unnamed suspect remains at-large.

The multi-agency investigation has revealed several other suspects related to crimes in Southwest Missouri, and has resulted in on-going investigations and possible future arrests.

The charges for which the above persons were arrested are mere accusations and not evidence of guilt. Evidence in support of the above charges must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty it is to determine guilt or innocence.