OZARK, MO – The Christian County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office announces that on June 20, 2024, Dustin Daron Arnold, 43, was sentenced to 15 years in the Missouri Department of Corrections after pleading guilty to two counts of felony theft, Conspiracy to Commit a Class C Felony, Burglary 2^nd Degree, and Property Damage 1^st Degree.

The charges stem from a burglary at a Nixa residence on January 24, 2023. Among the items stolen from the residence was a sixty-thousand-dollar sports car later recovered near Clinton, MO. Evidence indicated that Arnold planned the burglary and auto theft weeks in advance. Arnold appeared with his attorney on jury trial April 22, 2024. The parties selected a jury panel before reaching a plea agreement prior to the introduction of evidence. In return for Arnold’s guilty plea, the State agreed that it would argue for 15 years imprisonment at sentencing. As a persistent felony offender, Arnold could have faced up to 30 years or life imprisonment had he proceeded to trial.  

At the June 20 sentencing hearing, the assistant prosecutor asked that Arnold be sentenced to fifteen years in prison, highlighting Arnold’s past criminal convictions, his history of failure on probation, and his refusal to accept full responsibility for his actions. After hearing argument from both sides, the Court sentenced Arnold to 15 years in the Missouri Department of Corrections for Stealing a Motor Vehicle as a Prior Stealing Offender, 15 years for Conspiracy to Commit a Class C Felony, 10 years for Burglary 2^nd Degree, 10 years for Stealing – $750 or more, and 7 years for 1^st Degree Property Damage. Arnold’s sentences will run concurrently for a total of 15 years in the Department of Corrections. Arnold faces additional charges out of Greene County and Lawrence County for Delivery of Controlled Substance and Resisting Arrest. 

The case was prosecuted by Christian County Assistant Prosecuting Attorneys Chris Aiken and Michael Younker. Julie Harlan served as Victim Advocate and Violet Marquart served as Legal Assistant. The Christian County Sheriff’s Department investigated the crime with help from Cass County Sheriff’s Office.   

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On June 7th, 2024, the Christian County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office hosted the inaugural Elder/Vulnerable Multi-Disciplinary Team Meeting (MDT). Members from the prosecutor’s office, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, the Christian County Sheriff’s Department, the Ozark Police Department, the Nixa Police Department, the Ozark Senior Center and Burrell Behavioral Health convened to discuss how to help the most vulnerable in our community.

The mission of the newly formed Elder/Vulnerable MDT is to develop a professional team committed to protecting and improving the lives of elders and adults with disabilities within our community. The vision is NO MORE VICTIMS.

As discussed in the meeting, by 2030 the senior population will reach 72 million people (20% of the US population) and 1/5 of all Missourians will be 65 and older. By gathering and sharing information, Elder/Vulnerable MDT members will: understand the roles of fellow agencies, reduce trauma and duplication of services to victims, network to collaborate creatively for victims, improve prosecution outcomes and provide greater awareness of and access to services for victims.

The Christian County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office recognizes we cannot do this work alone and would like to thank all the participants for their willingness to assist the most vulnerable in our community. For more information please contact Dawn Kloba or Julie Harlan, Victim Advocates.

Please congratulate Donna Hanley for being recognized as employee of the month of April! Donna does a great job with her case load, helps others with their cases, teachers news things, happy to help, and pitches in to help fellow legal assistants without asking. Congrats Donna!