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.      

Please congratulate Dale Tavares for being recognized as employee of the month of August! Dale is looked at as the “mother” of office, as she looks out for everybody, listens to others, and helps them with a variety of issues. Recently, she’s helped the Prosecuting Office with their “Karpel” system updates and other formal computer issues. Congratulations Dale!

OZARK, MO – The Christian County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office announces that on August 16, 2023, Floyd Vaughn, 58, was sentenced to 20 years in the Missouri Department of Corrections following a plea of guilty to the unclassified felony of failure to register as a sex offender for events occurring on July 21, 2021. Vaughn was also sentenced to 7 years in Missouri Department of Corrections for the offense of harassment in the first degree as a persistent felony offender and 1 year in the Christian County Jail for the class A misdemeanor of sexual misconduct in the first degree for events occurring on September 7, 2022. Vaughn’s sentences will run concurrently. The Honorable Judge Laura Johnson presided over the sentencing hearing.  

For information regarding registered sex offenders contact Missouri State Highway Patrol at 1-888-SOR-MSHP or visit their website at: https://www.mshp.dps.missouri.gov/MSHPWeb/PatrolDivisions/CRID/SOR/SORPage.html.

The case was prosecuted by Christian County Prosecuting Attorney Kristen M. Tuohy, Shannon Stephens served as Victim Advocate, Suzanne Frakes served as Legal Assistant.  The Christian County Sheriff’s Office investigated the crimes.   

Senior Legal Assistants, Suzanne Frakes and Sarah England, were awarded August “Superhero” certificates of appreciation by the Christian County Multidisciplinary Team for going above and beyond to assist children and families who need a superhero in their life. Suzanne and Sarah do excellent work and are vital members of the prosecution team!

The Christian County Multidisciplinary Team is a collaborative approach to investigating concerns of child abuse and neglect to ensure safety and seek justice for child victims. Members of the MDT include representatives from law enforcement, Children’s Division, juvenile office, prosecuting attorney’s office, Child Advocacy Center, medical providers, along with child and family advocates.

If you suspect child abuse or neglect call the toll-free hotline at 1-800-735-3738.

Please congratulate Shannon Stephens for being recognized as employee of the month of July! Shannon brings wisdom and expertise to her position, while coming up with new ways to help victims who’ve often undergone unthinkable crimes. Often an encouragement to those around her, she’s also willing to help others where needed and answer tough questions. Her reliability, thoughtfulness, and innovation are appreciated.