Christian County Prosecuting Attorney, Amy J. Fite is very proud to announce that Christopher W. Lebeck, a 1st Assistant in the Christian County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office (CCPA) has recently qualified for certification with the International Association of Computer Investigative Specialists as a Certified Forensic Computer Examiner (CFCE). Mr. Lebeck who recently joined the CCPA last month began his training while he was with the Taney County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office through the Tri-Lakes Internet Crimes Task Force. This certification process involved two-weeks of intensive training, a three month peer review cycle, and a three month formal examination process. With this qualification, Mr. Lebeck could be called to conduct forensic examination of computers for other jurisdictions. These skills will add to his ability to successfully prosecute computer related sex crimes.

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Christian County Prosecuting Attorney, Amy J. Fite is pleased to announce that the office has joined the Missouri Victim Assistance Network (MOVA). The mission statement of MOVA says the organization is to expand the horizons of victim advocacy, encompassing the concept of fair treatment for all crime victims and emphasizing human worth and dignity.

The Missouri Victim Assistance Network was conceived in 1983 when the National Organization for Victim Assistance encouraged the state of Missouri to develop a statewide coalition of victim service providers. In 1984, the Governor’s Crime Commission and the State Department of Public Safety sponsored the first annual Victim Seminar in Missouri. Participants at that conference organized a planning committee to lay the groundwork for MOVA.

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On Wednesday, February 9, 2011, in Jefferson City, Chief Justice of Missouri’s Supreme Court, William Ray Price, delivered to Missouri legislators his annual State of the Judiciary Address.  One of the main criticisms of Chief Justice Price is that Missouri over-incarcerates non-violent offenders. In response to this address, fellow 38th Circuit Prosecuting Attorney Jeffrey M. Merrell prepared an editorial response citing reasons why is incarceration is important for all “nonviolent” offenses including felony driving while intoxicated, weapons charges, possession of child pornography, aggravated stalking, burglary in the first degree, promoting prostitution in the first degree, and resisting arrest resulting in a risk of death. “This response was born out of concern that the general public could easily be misled by Judge Price’s comments relating to non-violent offenders, and the incarceration of such offenders in Missouri prisons,” stated Jeffrey M. Merrell.

To view the response by fellow 38th Circuit Prosecuting Attorney, Jeffrey M. Merell:

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To view the state of the judiciary address:

DOWNLOAD STATE OF JUDICIARY

Today Jared Blacksher, dob: 3/25/1988 of Sparta, Missouri plead guilty to burglary in the second degree and forgery for events that took place in March and April of 2010. Jared has been in the Christian County Jail since July 26, 2010 awaiting disposition of his cases.

When Judge Waters appointed the public defender to represent Mr. Blacksher, they objected and asked Judge Waters to reconsider their appointment. When Judge Waters denied their request to reconsider, they filed a Writ of Prohibition against him in the Supreme Court of Missouri. The Supreme Court then issued a preliminary order staying all proceedings until the issue with the public defender was resolved.

On January 25 2011, Christian County Prosecuting Attorney, Amy J. Fite requested the Supreme Court of Missouri allow Judge Orr the authority to accept a plea of guilty from the defendant. On February 8, 2011, the Missouri Supreme Court granted Ms. Fite’s request and modified the preliminary Writ allowing Judge Orr to take a plea from Mr. Blacksher. At the time of the plea, Mr. Blacksher was represented by a public defender who still objected to the appointment.

For more information:

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DOWNLOAD MOTION FILED BY CHRISTIAN COUNTY PROSECUTOR’S OFFICE
DOWNLOAD PUBLIC DEFENDER RESPONSE
DOWNLOAD ORDER OF SUPREME COURT