NEWS RELEASE

For further information please contact: Sgt. D.S. Bracker
417-895-6767 ext.253
D2009-33
June 5, 2009

EMPHASIS: Arrest Made, Stolen Agriculture Equipment Recovered Since May 19 Roundup.



Since May 19, and the arrests of seven suspects related to the theft of agricultural equipment, the investigation continues to recover stolen property throughout Missouri and northern Arkansas.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol Division of Drug and Crime Control’s (DDCC) units in Willow Springs and Springfield, along with representatives from the Missouri State Water Patrol and the Howell County Sheriff’s Department, have conducted several investigations and followed many leads that have resulted in the arrest of one additional subject and the ensuing arrests of others.
Lonnie G. Turner, 55, of West Plaines, MO, was arrested today on two Howell County warrants for receiving stolen property. The Patrol’s ongoing investigation has netted approximately $639,000 worth of agricultural equipment, lawn equipment, ATVs, tools, and a host of other items.
The Patrol reminds anyone who has had dealings with Lonnie Turner, or any of his known associates, to contact immediately their respective sheriff’s department or the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s DDCC at 417-895-6868 or 417-469-3121. Phone calls will help in the apprehension of additional suspects of stolen equipment and not necessarily the arrest of unsuspecting buyers of the stolen equipment.
The charges for which the above person was arrested are mere accusation 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.