Christian County Prosecuting Attorney

Please congratulate Jessica Petitt for being recognized as employee of the month of June! Her fellow peers acknowledged the great job she has done since taking over the juvenile caseload, having a seamless transition. She is a great team player and is also available to train other legal assistants or answer questions they may have. Job well done.

Please congratulate Julie Harlan for being recognized as employee of the month of May! A regular nominee most months, Ms. Harlan was picked overwhelmingly this month. She’s recognized for always being friendly & helpful, a team player, and somebody who catches things, with a sharp eye, and has a consistently great attitude.

Please congratulate Sarah England for being recognized as employee of the month of April! Having been nominated numerous months, Ms. England consistently does more than requested and is recognized for the excellent job she does and willingness to help out with others.

Please congratulate Suzanne Frakes for being recognized as employee of the month of March! Ms. Frakes is always willing to lend a helping hand and answer questions that come her way. She gets along great with co-workers and brings cheer to those around her. She’s a reliable part of the team. Congrats, again, to our employee of the month of February!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: PROSECUTING ATTORNEY’S OFFICE

                       Kristen Tuohy

                       417-581-7915

DATE: March 28, 2023

OZARK, MO – The Christian County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office announces that on March 21, 2023, Anthony W. Saucedo, 35, was sentenced to a total of 22 years in the Missouri Department of Corrections for assault in the second degree of special victim, tampering with a motor vehicle in the first degree, and resisting a lawful stop by fleeing, stemming from Saucedo’s high speed flight from Christian County deputies on August 1, 2020. Saucedo appeared with counsel on February 14, 2023, for a bench trial. Prior to trial, Saucedo entered a plea of guilty without a plea agreement to tampering with a motor vehicle in the first degree and resisting a lawful stop. The case proceeded to trial on the offense of assault in the second degree- special victim.

Deputies with the Christian County Sheriff’s Office attempted to stop an Oldsmobile Alero driven by Saucedo for failure to display plates after he fled from a Nixa officer. Saucedo attempted to elude law enforcement by driving at speeds of more than 90 miles per hour, passing on the shoulder, failing to yield at an intersection, driving in the opposing lane of travel and intentionally colliding with the vehicle driven by Cpl. A. Williams.  During the pursuit, Saucedo deliberately swerved into the patrol vehicle driven by Cpl. Williams, causing damage to the vehicle. Saucedo was apprehended after crashing the Alero into a creek and fleeing on foot. The Oldsmobile was reported stolen out of Branson.  Thankfully, Cpl. Williams was not injured in the crash.   

Saucedo was sentenced to 10 years in the Missouri Department of Corrections for assaulting the law enforcement officer, 7 years for the unlawful operation of a motor vehicle, and 5 years for resisting the lawful stop by fleeing in a manner that created a substantial risk of serious physical injury or death to other persons. The defendant’s sentences will run consecutively for a total of 22 years and concurrently with his existing sentence in the Department of Corrections. An individual convicted and sentenced for the offense of assault in the second degree – special victim shall not be eligible for parole until eighty-five percent of the sentence is served.

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