News Release

For further information please contact: Sergeant Mike Watson
(417) 359-1500 ext.2229
DS2009-3
February 17, 2009

EMPHASIS: Traffic Stop Results In Seizure Of Stolen Property And Counterfeit Checks


On February 13, 2009, a Missouri State Highway Patrol trooper stopped the driver of a westbound Toyota van on Interstate 44 in Jasper County for a traffic violation. The stop and subsequent investigation resulted in the discovery of over $2,500 in stolen electronic merchandise, over 200 counterfeit checks, and the arrest of three Florida residents.

At approximately 4:35 p.m., the driver of a 2009 Toyota Siena van, bearing Florida registration, was stopped near the 23-mile marker for a traffic violation. Inconsistencies identified during the traffic stop prompted the trooper to ask for consent to search the vehicle, which was granted. The electronics located were purchased with counterfeit checks at various Wal-Mart locations in Kentucky, Illinois, and Missouri. Also located in the vehicle were maps detailing various Wal-Mart locations in Missouri, Kansas, and Oklahoma.

The driver of the van, Catina V. Porter, 36, Tampa, Florida, and passengers, John R. Johnson, 48, Tampa, Florida, and Terence L. Dunbar, 31, Tampa, Florida, were arrested for possession of stolen property. All three were transported to the Jasper County Jail, Carthage, Missouri.

The charges for which Catina V. Porter, John R. Johnson, and Terence L. Dunbar 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 it is to determine guilt or innocence.






(###)