Please congratulate Jacob Cantwell for being recognized as employee of the month of September! Jakes’s co-workers mentioned that Jake is encouraging to everybody, always has a smile on face, brightens peoples mood, is good with his case load, dedicated and easy to get along with, and encourages people to stay healthy. Congratulations Jake!

On September 13th, 2023 Judge Bacon administered the Oath of Admission as a new attorney with Nicholas Sullivan. Judge Bacon then confirmed him as an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney.  He then received his badge of office by Prosecuting Attorney Kristen Tuohy.

Judge Bacon confirming Nicholas Sullivan as an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney.

Prosecuting Attorney Kristen Tuohy giving Nicholas Sullivan his badge of office.

Nicholas Sullivan with Prosecuting Attorney Kristen Tuohy and Judge Bacon.

Welcome to the team, Nicholas!

OZARK, MO – The Christian County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office announces that on August 29, 2023, Kyle J. Duff, 26, was sentenced to a total of 14 years in the Missouri Department of Corrections for resisting a lawful stop by fleeing and drug possession, stemming from Duff’s high-speed flight from Nixa Police officers on August 20, 2021.  Duff pled guilty on February 21, 2023, to both charges, and on August 29, 2023, the Honorable Judge Laura Johnson sentenced the defendant.

Officers with the Nixa Police Department pulled over Duff’s vehicle for an inoperable driver-side taillight.  During the traffic stop officers confirmed that Duff had several active warrants for his arrest and while heading back towards Duff’s vehicle Duff took off and led officers on a highspeed chase.  During the pursuit, Duff attempted to elude law enforcement by driving at speeds of more than 100 miles per hour, driving in the middle of the roadway, failing to stop at multiple red lights, and eventually Duff crashed into another vehicle at an intersection in Springfield, Missouri.  During the pursuit, Duff created a substantial risk of danger to the general public, ultimately crashing into another vehicle, which caused substantial damage to the other vehicle, and ultimately Duff fled on foot.  Thankfully the other driver was not injured during the crash.  Officers with the Nixa Police Department were ultimately able to apprehend and detain Duff outside Incredible Pizza in Springfield, Missouri. 

Duff was sentenced to 7 years in the Missouri Department of Corrections for resisting a lawful stop by fleeing and 7 years for possession of a controlled substance.  The defendant’s sentences will run consecutively for a total of 14 years, and Duff’s resisting a lawful stop sentence will run consecutively with all other existing sentences.

The case was prosecuted by Christian County Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Jacob B. Cantwell.  Julie Harlan served as the Victim Advocate and Athena Brown served as Legal Assistant.  The Nixa Police Department investigated the crime.