MISSOURI STATE HIGHWAY PATROL
a division of the
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
Troop E - 4947 Hwy 67 North, Poplar Bluff, MO
NEWS RELEASE
For further information please contact:
Sergeant Clark D. Parrott
(573) 840-9500 ext. 3532
E5
April 13, 2025
EMPHASIS:
Ripley County Man Arrested For Stealing And Receiving Stolen Property
On April 3, 2025, the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control investigative unit was requested to investigate the alleged possession of stolen property by a former Ripley County Sheriff’s Office employee. The suspect, Michael L. Barton, is the former Sheriff of Ripley County.
On April 11, 2025, a search warrant was served at Mr. Barton’s residence. Firearms located at the residence were compared against a list of missing firearms from the Ripley County Sheriff’s Office evidence locker and seized. Two vehicles and other electronic equipment were also seized.
Barton is charged with two counts of stealing – firearm, and two counts of stealing - $750.00 or more. He is currently being held at the Ripley County Detention Center.
The above charges are a mere accusation and are not evidence of guilt. Evidence in support of these charges must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
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