New APAs Joshua Baker and Scottie Bowden Sworn In
On September 23, 2019 Judge Bacon administered the Oath of Admission to the Missouri Bar to Joshua Baker and Scottie Bowden. Thereafter, Judge Bacon swore each one in as Assistant Prosecuting Attorneys. Finally, prior to receiving their badges of office each was administered the Prosecutor Code of Ethics by Prosecuting Attorney Amy Fite.
Joshua Baker, a native of Kansas City, Missouri received his Juris Doctorate from the University of Missouri-Kansas City (2019). He also holds a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City (2014).
Scottie Bowden, a native of Branson, Missouri received his Juris Doctorate from the Washburn University School of Law (2019). He also holds a Bachelor’s Degree from the College of the Ozarks (2015).
APA Shana Mora goes Over The Edge!
On June 8, 2019, Senior Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Shana Mora participated in the “Over the Edge” fundraiser for the Child Advocacy Center after raising $1100 for the organization.
Over the Edge is a unique fundraising program that tasks participants with raising a minimum of $1,000 dollars for the Child Advocacy Center. Participants meeting this criterion have the option of rappelling down the 11 story Sky Eleven (formerly Woodruff) Building in downtown Springfield, Missouri.
The Child Advocacy Center is an invaluable partner in both our community and the work we do at the Christian County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. Formed in 1995, the CAC serves 16 counties throughout southwest and south central Missouri and has offices in Springfield and West Plains.
The CAC works with Children’s Division and other law enforcement agencies to ensure a “child-first” approach to handling cases of suspected child abuse. This ensures that investigations put the needs of child victims and witnesses first, and reduces the risk of further trauma during the investigation process.
To learn more about the CAC, its practices or how to donate yourself, please follow this link to their website.
More information about Over the Edge can be found at this link.
Linda Bowers and Charles Lowery Revoked for Probation Violations
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Prosecuting Attorney’s Office
Anna L. Bunch, Assistant Prosecuting Attorney
417-581-7915
DATE: May 28, 2019
RE: Defendants Revoked for Violating Their Probation
OZARK, MO – The Christian County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office announces that defendants, Linda Bowers and Charles Lowery, had their probation revoked in front of the Honorable Judge Laura Johnson.
Linda Bowers had previously pled guilty to possession of a controlled substance in February 2017 and was given a Suspended Imposition of Sentence. She was placed on probation and ordered to comply with several conditions of probation. Bowers admitted to violating her probation back in December 2018 and was given multiple chances to do better on probation. On May 16, 2019, after hearing arguments from both sides, the Court revoked Bowers probation, and she was sentenced to seven (7) years Mo Dept of Corrections under 559.115 (Institutional Treatment Program-ITC).
Charles Lowery had previously pled guilty to possession of controlled substance in July 2016. He was placed on probation and was shortly thereafter declared an absconder. Lowery was revoked and sent to do a 120 ITC. After release from the 120 ITC, he was placed back on probation. Lowery again back violating his probation. He was discharged three times from substance abuse treatment, had positive drug tests, and then stopped reporting. On May 23, 2019, after a hearing, the Court revoked his probation and executed his seven (7) year sentence.
Possession of controlled substance was a class C felony at the time both cases were committed. The range of punishment for a class C felony at that time was one day up to seven (7) years incarceration and/or a fine not to exceed $5000.
The cases were handled by Senior Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Anna Bunch.
CCPA Helps Make a Difference
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Prosecuting Attorney’s Office
417-581-7915
DATE: MAY 28, 2019
RE: CCPA OFFICE HELPS MAKE A DIFFERENCE
OZARK, MO – The Christian County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office announces that members of the office are helping make a difference in the community.
On May 24, 2019, members of the office participated in the Christian County D.A.R.E. Benefit Golf tournament. The four-person team consisted of Christian County Prosecuting Attorney Amy Fite, Senior Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Anna Bunch, Victim/Witness Advocate Julie Harlan, and Clever Police Dept. Chief Jeff Lofton. All proceeds of the tournament go to the D.A.R.E. Program which educates kids in Christian County about the dangers of drugs and alcohol and equips them with the skills to resist them.
On June 8, 2019, Senior Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Shana Mora will be going Over the Edge for the Child Advocacy Center. Mora will be rappelling down SKY ELEVEN in downtown Springfield, Mo. Over the Edge has become an annual fundraiser for the Child Advocacy Center, and it uses the funds raised through this event to make sure there is a safe place for child victims to talk about their experiences. Mora is the third person from the CCPA Office to go Over the Edge. Christian County Prosecuting Attorney Amy Fite and First Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Kristen Tuohy have previously gone Over the Edge.
If you are interested in donating, here is Shana Mora’s link:
Barry George Found Guilty at Jury Trial of DWI, Trespass
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: John M. Peacock
Assistant Prosecuting Attorney
(417) 581-7915
DATE: May 29, 2019
RE: CHRISTIAN COUNTY JURY FINDS BARRY GEORGE GUILTY OF DRIVING WHILE INTOXICATED AND TRESPASS IN THE FIRST DEGREE
OZARK, MO – The Christian County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office announces that BARRY GEORGE DOB:5/25/1964, of Sparta, Missouri was found guilty after a two-day jury trial held April 29-30, 2019. The jury trial was commenced before the Honorable Judge Laura Johnson.
The Christian County jury found the defendant guilty of both counts, driving while intoxicated and trespass in the first degree. The jury deliberated for approximately an hour and forty-five minutes before finding the defendant guilty. Formal sentencing is scheduled before the Honorable Judge Laura Johnson on June 25, 2019.
The defendant had two prior convictions for driving while intoxicated. These prior convictions for DWI make the defendant’s current conviction a persistent DWI offense. Driving While Intoxicated as a persistent offender is a class E felony. The range of punishment for an E felony is either a special term of incarceration in the Christian County Jail not to exceed one year or a term of incarceration in the Mo Dept of Corrections not to exceed four years and/or a fine not to exceed $10,000 dollars. The range of punishment for trespass in the first degree of a class B misdemeanor is a term of incarceration in the Mo. Dept. of Corrections not to exceed six months and/or a fine not to exceed $1,000.
The investigation of this case was handled by Christian County Sheriff’s Department Deputies Lachlan Hicks and John Wilkerson. The case was prosecuted by Assistant Prosecuting Attorney John Peacock assisted by First Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Janette Bleau.