News Release

For further information please contact: Sergeant Martin K. Elmore
(417) 469-3121, ext. 225
G-03093
March 25, 2009

EMPHASIS: Stolen Vehicle Recovery Results In Weapon And Drug Charges


On Monday, March 23, 2009, at approximately 2:00 a.m., a 1997 Jeep Wrangler containing three firearms was stolen from a residence near Fremont, Missouri, in Carter County.
A Missouri State Highway Patrol trooper obtained information about a possible sighting of the vehicle on Shannon County Road 633 near Birch Tree, Missouri. Two troopers began a search of the area in which the vehicle had been sighted and subsequently located the vehicle at a private residence. At 11:08 a.m., a subject, identified as Leslie A. Collins, 24, Willow Springs, Missouri was arrested while standing near the stolen Jeep. Daniel D. Smith, 28, Willow Springs, Missouri, and Tracy M. Grogan, 21, Birch Tree, Missouri, were arrested in the residence after an approximate 30-minute standoff.
A subsequent search of the residence resulted in the recovery of the three stolen firearms, as well as the seizure of methamphetamine, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia. All three subjects were transported to the Shannon County Sheriff’s Department. Leslie A. Collins and Daniel D. Smith have each been charged in Carter County with stealing a motor vehicle and 3 counts each for theft of a firearm.
Tracy M. Grogan has been charged in Shannon County with 1 count of receiving stolen property, 3 counts of unlawful possession of a firearm, possession of methamphetamine, felony possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana (possession of 35 grams or less), and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia.
The Shannon County Sheriff’s Department and the Birch Tree Police Department assisted with this investigation.
The charges for which these individuals were arrested are mere accusations 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.

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