Phelps County Sheriff's Department

06/02/2026

Press Release - June 2, 2026

On 05/23/2026, deputies responded to the 16000 block of County Road 5285 for a report of a private property accident. The accident involved a 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 owned by Sheena Cookerly, 42, of Cedar Hill, Missouri, and an unknown-year Toyota Sequoia with an unknown owner. The investigation determined the unknown driver of the Toyota Sequoia reversed and struck the rear passenger side of the Chevrolet Silverado before leaving the scene. The Chevrolet Silverado sustained moderate damage, while damage to the Toyota Sequoia is unknown. No injuries were reported at the scene. The investigation is ongoing.

On 05/24/2026, deputies conducted a traffic stop in the area of mile marker 184 on Interstate 44 East. During the investigation, deputies located a crystal substance that field-tested positive for methamphetamine. The driver was identified as Steven E. Freeman, 56, of Keokuk, Iowa. The passenger was identified as Cordealya T. Wustrow, 21, of Hamilton, Illinois. Freeman and Wustrow were both arrested for possession of a controlled substance and transported to the Phelps County Jail. Freeman and Wustrow were later released pending formal charges.

On 05/24/2026, deputies responded to the area of Forum Drive for a report of a stolen vehicle from Colorful Vibes inside Rolla City Limits. Deputies located the vehicle and attempted a traffic stop. The vehicle failed to yield, and a pursuit was initiated. The driver, Issac Webb, was stopped and taken into custody without further incident. Webb was incarcerated at the Phelps County Jail pending charges for Resisting Arrest by fleeing.

On 05-25-2026, deputies responded to the 10000 block of Mann Court for a report of theft. Upon arrival, deputies discovered a male, age 48, of Rolla, was the reported victim of theft. He stated his license plate was removed from his trailer without his knowledge. Suspect information was not given, and the investigation is ongoing.

On 05/25/2026, deputies responded to the 12000 block of Witzke Dr, Saint James, for a report of domestic assault. Upon arrival, deputies discovered that a male, age 40, of Saint James, was the reported victim. He stated that his wife had a knife and was telling him that she was going to kill him if he went inside the house. As a result of this call, Christine Huffer, age 48, of Saint James, was arrested on charges of Domestic Assault 3rd Degree. Huffer was incarcerated at the Phelps County Jail, where she remains.

On 05-25-2026, deputies responded to the 11000 block of Old Highway 66 for a report of a Destruction of Property. Upon arrival, deputies discovered that a 56-year-old male from Saint James was the reported victim of a Littering/Dumping. He stated items were left without the owner’s consent. Suspect information was not given, and the investigation is ongoing.

On 05-26-2026, deputies responded to the 17000 block of County Road 7360 in Newburg for a call for Police. Upon arrival, deputies discovered that a female, age 33, of Newburg, was the reported victim. She stated that her boyfriend told her that he was going to kill her and was pushing her around. As a result of this call, Daniel Rynkewicz, age 31, of Newburg, was arrested on charges of Domestic Assault 4th Degree. Rynkewicz was incarcerated at the Phelps County Jail, where he remains.

On 05/27/2026, deputies responded to Little Prairie Conservation Area for a delayed report of an assault. The victim, an 18-year-old male from St James, reported that he and a known male had gotten into a physical altercation. Suspect information was obtained, and the investigation is ongoing.

On 05-29-2026, deputies responded to the 12000 block of County Road 2030 in reference to a reported theft. Upon arrival, deputies discovered that a male, age 58, of Rolla, was the reported victim. He stated that two bikes were stolen. Suspect information was given, and the investigation is ongoing.

On 05/30/2026, deputies responded to the Phelps County Sheriff’s Department for a reported fraud. Upon arrival, deputies discovered that a male, age 36, of Rolla was the reported victim. He stated that $6,000 was taken from his account. Suspect information was not given, and the investigation is ongoing.

On 05/30/2026, deputies responded to the 17000 block of South Highway 68 in St. James, Missouri, regarding the recovery of a stolen all-terrain vehicle (ATV). Upon investigation, deputies determined the ATV had previously been reported stolen to the Pulaski County Sheriff's Department. Information regarding a potential suspect was obtained during the investigation.

05/29/2026

Press Releases - May 29, 2026

On 05/16/2026, deputies conducted a traffic stop in the 19000 block of Co. Rd. 4110 when the driver of a vehicle was stopped for an equipment violation. As a result of this stop, the driver, Aaron J. Gibbs, age 46, of Salem, was arrested on charges of driving while intoxicated. Gibbs was incarcerated at the Phelps County Jail, where he was later released on summons.

On 05-17-2026, deputies responded to the 100 block of East First Street and arrested Amyia M. Lamora, age 20, of Rolla, on a Phelps County warrant charging her with Failure to appear-Excessive B.A.C. Lamora was incarcerated at the Phelps County Jail, where she remains.

On 05/17/2026, deputies responded to the 12000 block of Ginger Lane for a report of an animal bite. The victim, a 58-year-old female of Rolla, stated that upon returning home, a dog that was loose had bitten her while entering her residence. The dog's owner stated that the animal had all its shots. Deputies issued a citation and ordered the owner to quarantine the dog for 10 days.

On 05/19/2026, deputies responded to the Dent County Jail and arrested Ian A. Dale, age 46, of Salem, on a Phelps County warrant charging him with kidnapping and domestic assault 2nd degree. Dale was incarcerated at the Phelps County Jail, where he remains.

On 05/19/2026, deputies responded to the area of 4th Street in Newburg for a disturbance. As a result of this call, Jamie Cook, 31, of St James, and Shane Thompson, 38, of St James, were arrested on charges of unlawful use of a weapon and armed criminal action. Cook and Thompson were incarcerated in the Phelps County Jail, where they remain pending court action.

On 05-18-2026, deputies responded to the 11000 block of State Route E for a report of a Burglary. Upon arrival, deputies discovered that Alexa Jones, age 21, of Rolla, MO, was the reported victim of a Burglary. Jones stated that two vehicles, an ATV, and various items in her residence were taken without the owner’s consent. Suspect information was not given, and the investigation is ongoing.

On 05-20-2026, deputies responded to the lobby of the Sheriff's Department and arrested Daniel Karnes, age 45, of St. James, on two felony warrants out of Phelps County, charging him with Violation of a Court Order - Domestic Assault 3rd Degree, and Tampering with a Victim/Witness in Felony Prosecution. Karnes was incarcerated at Phelps County Jail, where he remains pending court appearance.

On 05/21/2026, deputies responded to the Phelps County Courthouse and arrested Mark J Ahart, 38, of Cook Station, on a Phelps County warrant charging him with Stealing. Ahart was incarcerated at the Phelps County Jail, where he remains.

On 05-21-2026, deputies responded to the 200 block of 3rd street and arrested Robert Pierce, age 45, of Steelville, MO, on a Phelps County warrant charging him with stealing. Pierce was incarcerated at the Phelps County Jail, where he remains.

On 05-22-2026, deputies responded to the 500 block of South Bishop Ave in response to a call for police. A deputy discovered an adult male was following women around the property, making them feel uncomfortable. The business wanted the adult male to be trespassed. When the adult male was leaving the store, he pulled his pants down and exposed himself. As a result of this call, Spencer M. Mitchell, age 29, of Rolla, was arrested on charges of Sexual Misconduct - 1st Degree -1st Offense. Mitchell was incarcerated at the Phelps County Jail, where he remains pending the results of the investigation.

On 05-26-2026, deputies responded to the Phelps County Sheriff's Department for a report of theft. Upon arrival, deputies discovered that a 79-year-old male from St. James was the reported victim. He stated that a known subject had stolen several items from his residence. Suspect information was given, and the investigation is ongoing.

05/25/2026

05/21/2026

Press Release - May 21, 2026

On 05-10-2026, deputies responded to the 12000 block of Private Drive 7242 for a report of Domestic Disturbance. Upon arrival, deputies discovered a male subject arguing outside the residence. The Subject was released into the custody of his sober parents after being given a Minor in Possession summons. He began a verbal altercation and tried to gain access to his property. As a result of this call, Ethan L. Taylor, age 20, of Rolla, was arrested and placed on a 12-hour protective hold. Taylor was incarcerated at the Phelps County Jail, where he was held and later released.

On 05-10-2026, deputies responded to the 11000 block of County Road 8000 in reference to a reported theft. Upon arrival, deputies discovered that a female, age 55, of Rolla was the reported victim. She stated that a license plate was taken without her consent. Suspect information was not given, and the investigation is ongoing.

On 05-10-2026, deputies responded to the 13000 block of Co. Rd. 3000 for a report of Trespassing. Upon arrival, deputies discovered that a male from Rolla was the reported victim. He stated that there were multiple side-by-sides on his property and that they were driving through his creek. As a result of this call, Brayden West of Newburg was arrested following a vehicle pursuit initiated by the Department of Conservation. West was incarcerated at the Phelps County Jail and placed on a 24-hour hold pending formal charges from the Prosecutors' Office.

On 05/11/26, deputies conducted a traffic stop in the 2000 block of Farrar Drive for a registration violation. As a result of this stop, Justin Lillard, 41, of Wood Heights, MO, was arrested on a Carroll County warrant for failure to appear. Lillard was incarcerated in the Phelps County Jail, where he remains, pending bond.

On 05-11-2026, deputies responded to the 500 block of West Second Street for a report of fraud. Upon arrival, deputies discovered that Timothy Korte, age 72, of Rolla, Missouri, was the reported victim of a fraud. He stated that since October 2025, he has been the victim of multiple fraud attacks on his bank account. Suspect information was not given, and the investigation is ongoing.

On 05/12/2026, deputies responded to the Phelps County Courthouse and arrested Jacob A Gentry, 38, of Rolla, on a Phelps County warrant charging him with Trespassing 1st. Gentry is incarcerated at the Phelps County Jail, where he remains.


On 05/12/2026, deputies responded to a report of telephone harassment by telephone. Upon making contact, deputies discovered that a 64-year-old male from Rolla was the reported victim of harassment. The victim stated that an unknown person was hacking his social media accounts. Suspect information was not available at the time of the report, and the investigation is ongoing.

On 05-12-2026, deputies responded to the 12000 block of Old Highway 66 regarding a reported theft. Upon arrival, deputies discovered that a 44-year-old female from Rolla was the reported victim of a theft. She stated that a car radio was taken without her consent. Suspect information was not given, and the investigation is ongoing.

On May 13, 2026, deputies responded to the Phelps County Sheriff's Department for a report of Credit Card Fraud. Upon arrival, deputies discovered that Phillip Mason, Age 31, of Rolla, Missouri, was the reported victim of Credit Card Fraud. He stated that his brother gained access to his Social Security information to open a credit card in his name. Suspect information was not given, and the investigation is ongoing.

On May 13, 2026, deputies responded to the 12000 block of County Road 5010 and arrested Jeremy R. Light, 41, of Rolla, on a county warrant charging him with Property Damage. Light was transported to the Phelps County Jail, where he remains incarcerated.

On 05-13-2026, deputies responded to the 11000 block of Co. Rd. 2360 in reference to a reported burglary. Upon arrival, deputies discovered that a 60-year-old male from Saint James was the reported victim of a burglary. He stated nothing was taken without the owner’s consent. Suspect information was given and the investigation is ongoing.

On 05-14-2026, deputies responded to the 12000 block of County Road 5010 for a report of assault. Upon arrival, deputies discovered that a male, age 41, of Rolla, was the reported victim. He stated that he got pushed by a known individual. Suspect information was given and the investigation is ongoing.

On 05-14-2026, deputies responded to the 18000 block of State Route U for a report of lost or stolen property. Upon arrival, deputies discovered that a male, age 52, and a female, age 82, of St. James were the reported victims of theft. They stated three cows had been taken from their property. Suspect information was given and the investigation is ongoing.


On 05/15/2026, deputies arrived at the 11000 block of County Road 5320 and arrested Matthew Grayson, 57, of Rolla, MO, on a Phelps County warrant charging him with possession of a controlled substance. Grayson was incarcerated in the Phelps County Jail, where he remains in lieu of bond.

On 05-15-2026, deputies responded to the 19000 block of State Route M for a report of theft. Upon arrival, deputies discovered a female, age 51, of Edgar Springs, was the reported victim of theft. She stated an unknown subject(s) had stolen puppies from her residence. Suspect information was not given and the investigation is ongoing.

05/11/2026

Press Releases - May 11, 2026

On 05-04-2026, deputies responded to the 100 block of W 3rd Street for a report of an assault. Upon arrival, deputies discovered that a female, age 21, of Rolla, was the reported victim. She stated that she was assaulted by a third party when she tried to retrieve financial compensation from a friend to whom she had lent money. Suspect information has been provided, and the investigation is ongoing.

On 04-30-2026, deputies responded to the 14000 block of Co. Rd. 2130 for a report of a dog attack. The victim, a male, age 47, of Rolla, stated that the neighbor's dog got loose and attacked his dog. The dog's owner stated that the animal was up to date on its shots. Deputies ordered the owner to watch/quarantine the dog for 10 days.

On 05/04/2026, deputies responded to the 500 block of West 2nd Street regarding a previously reported disturbance over the phone. Upon arrival, deputies discovered that a 50-year-old male from Rolla was the reporting party. He stated that he and a known subject were in a verbal argument. Contact was made with the other party, and the investigation is ongoing.

On 05/05/26, deputies responded to the Phelps County Courthouse and arrested Heather Marie Eplin, 36, of Rolla, on a Rolla Municipal warrant charging her with Operating a Motor Vehicle without a Valid Driver’s License. Eplin was incarcerated at the Phelps County Jail, where she remains.

On 05/05/2026, deputies responded to the Phelps County Courthouse and arrested Dylan J Affolter, age 26, of Newburg, on a Phelps County warrant charging him with Delivery of a Controlled Substance. Affolter was incarcerated at the Phelps County Jail, where he remains.

On 05-05-2026, deputies responded to the 1000 block of Kingshighway in Rolla, MO, for a report of Child Abuse, where they assisted the Division of Family Services. Upon arrival, the reporting party made allegations of child abuse in the home. All information was obtained by DFS.

On May 6, 2026, deputies responded to the 400 block of School Street, Doolittle, Missouri, and arrested MaryKay L. Colvard, age 41, of Saint Robert, on a Phelps County warrant charging her with possession of a controlled substance (Over 35 Grams of marijuana/synthetic cannabinoid) and Probation Violation. Colvard was incarcerated at the Phelps County Jail, where she remains.

On 05-06-2026, deputies responded to the 500 block of Second Street and arrested Caitlyn Lindgren, 27, of Mesa, Arizona, on a Phelps County warrant charging her with Speeding.
Lindgren is incarcerated at the Phelps County Jail, where she remains.

On 05-07-2026, deputies responded to the 18000 block of State Route P for a reported Violation of a Protection Order. Upon arrival, deputies discovered a male, age 75, of Newburg, was the reported victim. He stated that a known subject had contacted him, in violation of an Order of Protection. Suspect information has been provided, and the investigation is ongoing.

On 05/07/2026, deputies responded to the 21000 block of Highway K regarding a reported burglary. During the incident, a vehicle was reported stolen from the residence. The estimated value of the stolen property is approximately $8,000.00. The investigation is ongoing, and no additional information is available at this time.

On 05-07-2026, deputies responded to the Phelps Health Hospital for a report of an assault. Upon arrival, deputies discovered a male, age 25, of Rolla, was the reported victim of assault. He stated a known subject had physically assaulted him the night prior. Suspect information has been provided, and the investigation is ongoing.

On 5-08-2026, deputies responded to the 100 block of S Rucker Avenue for a report of a motor vehicle accident on private property. The accident involved vehicle #1, a 2003 Chrysler Town and Country owned and operated by Jason Hansen, age 49, of Rolla, and vehicle #2, a 2009 Toyota Camry owned and operated by Cole Iten, age 34, of Rolla. The accident occurred as a result of a verbal altercation. Vehicle #1 intentionally struck vehicle #2 and then fled the scene. There was moderate damage to the Camry and minor damage to the Town and Country. There were no reports of injuries at the scene.

05/11/2026

National Police Week

National Police Week is set to take place from May 10 to May 16, 2026.

The Phelps County Sheriff’s Department wishes to express its sincere appreciation to all law enforcement professionals for their hard work and commitment.

Your unwavering efforts to ensure the safety of our communities do not go unnoticed. Thank you for your invaluable service!

05/10/2026

As National Correctional Officers Week comes to a close, we again want to recognize and thank the staff of the Phelps County Sheriff’s Department Jail Division for the work they do every day. Their professionalism, resilience, teamwork, and dedication to public safety do not go unnoticed, and we are incredibly proud of this team.

This year’s theme was “Holding the Line,” a reflection of the commitment our corrections staff shows every single day behind the walls of our facility. 🖤🩶

We would also like to extend a huge THANK YOU to the amazing vendors, partners, and friends who helped support and recognize our staff:

- Midwest Signs & Graphics for not only helping bring our very first Phelps County Sheriff’s Department Corrections Officer Week shirts to life, but for generously DONATING them to our corrections staff.

- Charm-Tex, for donating Amazon gift cards for our staff giveaway and for their continued support of correctional professionals.

- Summit Food Service, and especially Ms. Inez, for helping provide and coordinate the meal and the gifts for our staff.

- National Institute for Jail Operations (NIJO), for the thoughtful framed print and stickers honoring correctional officers and the important role they serve in corrections.

- Landmark Baptist Church, for the incredibly thoughtful gift bags and Lowe’s gift cards provided to our staff. Your kindness and support meant more than you know, and we truly appreciate your encouragement of our correctional team.

05/05/2026

Press Release - May 5, 2026

On 04-26-2026, deputies responded to the Phelps County Sheriff's Department for a report of harassment. Upon arrival, deputies discovered a female, age 35, of Newburg, was the reported victim of harassment. She stated a known female had been sending her unwanted messages on Facebook Messenger. Suspect information has been provided, and the investigation is ongoing.

On 04/27/2026, deputies responded to the 11000 block of Co. Rd. 8010 for a report of Domestic Disturbance. Upon arrival, deputies discovered that a female, 47, of Rolla, was the reported victim of domestic violence. She stated that the suspect had sprayed her with a power washer and caused a burn to her face. Suspect information has been provided, and the investigation is ongoing.

On 04-27-2026, deputies responded to the 11000 block of County Road 5340 for a report of a disturbance. Upon arrival, deputies discovered a male, age 31, of Rolla, was an involved party. He stated he and a known subject were in an altercation when he tried to leave their residence. Contact was made with the other party, and no further action was taken.

On April 27, 2026, deputies responded to the 500 block of West 2nd Street and arrested Alicia Pankey, 31, of Rolla, on a Phelps County warrant charging her with Endangering Welfare of Child, Creating Substantial Risk- 1st Degree- 1st Offense- Non-Sexual, and Fail to Properly Display Plates on Motor Vehicle. Pankey was incarcerated at the Phelps County Jail, where she remains pending bond.

On 04/28/2026, deputies responded to the 14000 block of Co. Rd. 1050 for a report of Physical Disturbance. Upon arrival, deputies discovered that a female, age 50, of St. James, was the reported victim of Domestic Assault. She stated that her boyfriend assaulted her. As a result of this call, William Pryor, age 48, of Sullivan, was arrested on charges of Domestic Assault 2nd, Burglary 1st, and Resisting / Interfering with Arrest (Pursuit). Pryor was incarcerated at the Phelps County Jail and placed on a 24-hour hold pending formal charges.

On April 28, 2026, deputies responded to the 13000 block of Co. Rd. 3610 for a report of an Assault. Upon arrival, deputies discovered that a female, age 20, of Rolla, was the reported victim of an Assault. She stated that she was assaulted by a female Juvenile. Suspect information has been provided, and the investigation is ongoing.

On 4-28-2026, deputies conducted a traffic stop in the 18000 block of Highway B, on a gold-colored Ford F150. The driver failed to stop, prompting a pursuit. The male driver later fled on foot in the 18000 block of County Road 1210, where William Pryor, age 49, of St. James, was arrested on the charge of Resisting or Interfering with Arrest/Detention/Stop. Pryor was transported to the Phelps County Jail, where he was incarcerated pending charges.

On 04/29/26, Deputies responded to the 12000 block of Cedar Grove Road regarding a burglary and theft. Upon arrival, deputies discovered that a male, age 39, of Rolla was the reported victim of a Burglary and theft. He stated that a Bosch Laser level, a Dewalt drill, and a Stihl Chainsaw were taken without the owner’s consent. Suspect information was not given, and the investigation is ongoing.

On 04/29/2026, deputies responded to the 12000 block of Co. Rd. 2220 for a report of a Burglary. Upon arrival, deputies discovered that a female, age 69, of St. James, was the reported victim of a Burglary. She stated that medication was taken, and a 12-gauge shotgun was taken from the property. Suspect information was not given, and the investigation is ongoing.

On 04-29-2026, deputies responded to the 100 block of State Route B and arrested Stephen M. Harris, age 43 of Saint Louis, on two Crawford County warrants charging him with Failure to appear- exceeding speed limit 6-10 miles per hour over and Failure to appear- failure to maintain financial responsibility. Harris was incarcerated at the Phelps County Jail, where he remains.

On 5-1-2026, deputies responded to the 10000 block of Private Drive 5294 regarding a theft report. Upon arrival, deputies discovered that a male, age 59, of Rolla was the reported victim of theft. He stated that an orange/white, 20" STIHL chainsaw, a 1.5" wide, gold drill bit, and a pneumatic air staple gun were taken without the owner’s consent. Suspect information has been provided, and the investigation is ongoing.

On 05-01-2026, deputies responded to the 15000 block of CR 5210 for a report of a domestic assault. Upon arrival, deputies discovered that a male, age 38, of Rolla, was the reported victim. He stated that a verbal argument with a known suspect escalated, with the suspect striking him in the side of the head. Suspect information was given, and the investigation was forwarded to the prosecuting attorney's office for review.

05/03/2026

National Corrections Officers and Employees Week

May 3, 2026 – May 9, 2026

The Phelps County Sheriff's Department is proud to celebrate National Corrections Officers and Employees Week. This week is dedicated to recognizing the hard work, dedication, and resilience of our correctional officers and all employees who serve in our facility.

This year, our team has embraced significant change. As we navigate through a period of transition, it is essential to honor the commitment of our staff who adapt and thrive in the face of new challenges.

We want to express our heartfelt thanks to each member of the Phelps County Sheriff's Department correctional staff for their unwavering dedication and professionalism. Your efforts do not go unnoticed, especially during this time of change. Together, we can continue to build a positive and supportive environment for our community and each other.

Let’s celebrate our achievements and look forward to a future of continued excellence!

Thank you for all that you do!