Friday, February 20, 2026

Neosho Police Department warms of arrest warrant scam

(From the Neosho Police Department)

The Neosho Police Department is alerting residents about an active phone scam targeting individuals in the Neosho area. The department has received multiple reports of residents being contacted by a caller claiming to be a Sheriff’s Deputy, Police Officer or other Law Enforcement.


In each case, the caller provides personal information related to the individual and states that they
have an active arrest warrant. The caller then sends fraudulent “documents” by text message to make
the claim appear legitimate. The caller ultimately demands payment, typically through gift cards, to resolve the supposed warrant.








Residents are urged to educate themselves to avoid becoming victims of a scam.

Law enforcement does not:

• Request payment over the phone

• Accept gift cards, prepaid cards, wire transfers, or digital app payments

• Send warrants or legal documents by text message

• Threaten arrest to force someone to pay

Residents should be alert for:

• Requests for payment by gift card

• High-pressure threats or urgent demands

• Instructions to keep the call secret

• Unsolicited legal documents sent via text








What To Do If You Receive One of These Calls

• Stay calm

• Do not provide any personal information

• Do not send money in any form

• Hang up immediately

• Contact the Neosho Police Department to report the scam or verify the call

These scams continue because they rely on fear and quick reactions. By understanding how the scam works and discussing it with friends and family, residents can help stop the spread of this fraudulent activity.

To Report a Scam or to get more information, contact the Neosho Police Department at 417-451-8012.


Newton County Sheriff's Office Arrests

02/19/2026 0922 JIMMIE MICHAEL PALMER

2101 K Highway

NEWTON COUNTY, MO 64850

WM 71

2101 HIGHWAY K 250.00

1 PASSING BAD CHECK


02/19/2026 26000327

0700 SHANNON RAE YOUNGBLOOD

WF 54

459 MILL ST 0.00

458 Mill St

NEWTONIA, MO 64866

1 DOMESTIC ASSAULT - 4TH DEGREE - 1ST OR 2ND OFFENSE

02/18/2026 0937 CODY RAY PROFFITT
4408 W 31st St
JOPLIN, MO 64804
WM 35
123 E MAIN ST 0.00
1 POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE EXCEPT 35 GRAMS OR LESS 
2 POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE EXCEPT 35 GRAMS OR LESS O

02/18/2026 0816 TRUDY MARIE PARKER

15312 Unicorn Rd

NEWTON COUNTY, MO 64866

WF 54

7472 HIGHWAY 60/FINCH DR 0.00

1 OTTAWA COUNTY ASSAULT ON A POLICE OFFICER 

Highway Patrol Arrests February 18-20

Lonell A. Hackett, 34, Joplin, felony driving while intoxicated, felony property damage, felony resisting arrest, no insurance, following too closely, failure to affix license plate, operating a vehicle while using an electronic device

Matthew Jenkins, 65, Purdy, driving while intoxicated (drugs), possession of marijuana, no seat belt

Cooper R. Russell, 25, Springfield, driving while intoxicated, speeding, no headlights

Joseph C. Baker, 39, Powersite, driving while intoxicated








Callie L. Edens, 46, Exeter, driving while intoxicated

Joseph A. Martinez Fixico, 29, Joplin, driving while intoxicated, careless and imprudent driving, no insurance

Sabrina E. Roberts, 27, Bolivar, driving while intoxicated

Robert A. Bell, 28, Buffalo, felony driving while revoked, driving while intoxicated, speeding, failed to register motor vehicle, failed to maintain financial responsibility, failed to maintain right half of roadway

Christopher A. Jasso, 25, Verona, possession of drug paraphernalia








Mia R. Balistreri, 20, Springfield, driving while intoxicated, careless and imprudent driving, minor visibly intoxicated

Larry A. Davis, 63, Aurora, driving while intoxicated, leaving the scene of an accident, failed to drive on right half of roadway

Eric R. Clairmont, 52, Reeds Spring, driving while intoxicated, driving while revoked

Marcus J. Chuich, 19, Springfield, possession of drug paraphernalia 

Barton County Dissolution of Marriage Petitions

Chad E. Trudell vs. Stephanie A. Trudell
Lindsay Steinkamp vs. Jeff Steinkamp










 

Newton County Dissolution of Marriage Petitions

Teana M. McCormick vs. Daren R. McCormick
Madisyn J. Brown vs. Chase A. Brown
Keith D. Yates vs. Theresa M. Yates
Tyler J. Place vs. Alyssa D. Place
Chance W. Bradshaw vs. Maria S. Bradshaw
Benjamin J. Montez vs. Tabbitha C. Montez






 

Jasper County Dissolution of Marriage Petitions

Tina M. Fry vs. Robert E. Fry
Alexandra L. Plassman vs. Devin K. Plassman
Tina L. Keller vs. Bryon A. Keller
Gary G. Wright vs. Brittany N. Rowden
Lauren Pinola vs. Christopher L. Pinola
Rosemary P. Miller vs. John W. Miller
Fallon N. Anawalt vs. Adam J. Anawalt
Eric M. Smith vs. Kayla M. Smith





U. S. Bankruptcy Court Petitions- Joplin

Barry County

Macario Trott-Magat, Jr. and Makayla Nicole Trott-Magat

Barton County

Wanda Jane Dunagan
Billy Ray Varney








Jasper County

Bruce A. Richardson and Peggy C. Richardson

Vernon County

Brandon Allen Dighero