Crime / Courts Archives

Judge orders closure of popular Missouri swimming hole

May 24, 2019 By Alisa Nelson

Ahead of Memorial Day weekend, Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt says a judge has ordered the popular swimming hole called “Offsets” to close until further safety measures are taken. “Offsets” is a lead mine turned swimming hole in Southeast Missouri’s Fredericktown.

Judge orders closure of popular Missouri swimming hole

“It was incredibly important to me to ensure that swimmers were kept off the water at The Offsets for Memorial Day until proper safety measures are implemented,” Schmitt said in a press release. “It’s my hope that The Offsets will implement the necessary safety features and ensure that their patrons are able to safely enjoy themselves.”

Since its opening in the early 1980’s, at least 9 people have died from drowning or falling off of the bluffs and countless other injuries have occurred

Then-Attorney General Josh Hawley filed a lawsuit against The Offsets in July of 2018, seeking to compel the entity to remedy the dangerous conditions their property poses to swimmers and patrons. In the final judgement, Judge Wendy Horn bars the owners of “The Offsets,” Gary and Rebecca Henson, from re-opening the swimming hole until extensive safety measures are met.

Some of the safety measures include requiring an emergency response plan to be prepared and frequent staff trainings to be held, stipulating specific areas where jumping is allowed and stationing trained lifeguards in those areas, requiring an additional lifeguard to be stationed in a boat in the water to be more readily available to rescue swimmers, requiring all patrons who are jumping into the water to wear U.S. Coast Guard approved life vests, and more.

Parson signs bill to ban abortions at eight weeks

May 24, 2019 By Alisa Nelson

During a bill signing today at the Missouri Capitol in Jefferson City, Governor Mike Parson signed House Bill 126 into law banning abortions at eight weeks into pregnancies. In a press release, the governor says a coalition of pro-life leaders and legislative members joined him today for the bill signing. The media was not invited.

Governor Mike Parson addresses firefighters during the Missouri State Firefighters Day in Jefferson City on March 6, 2019 (file photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI}

“By signing this bill today, we are sending a strong signal to the nation that, in Missouri, we stand for life, protect women’s health, and advocate for the unborn,” said Parson in a press release. “All life has value and is worth protecting.”

On the last day of the Missouri Legislature’s regular session, the wide-ranging measure passed that bans doctors from doing abortions on women if a fetal heartbeat is heard. Physicians who violate the law face five to fifteen years in prison. It would also forbid doctors from doing abortions if the baby would have Down syndrome or for sex or race-selective abortions.

HB 126 makes exceptions for medical emergencies, but not for rape or incest. Additionally, the legislation requires both parents to be notified if a minor child wants an abortion.

According to Parson, the bill expands the definition of a pregnancy resource center for tax credit purposes to include centers providing assistance to families. It removes the sunset and cumulative tax credit cap beginning in FY 2021 and increases the pregnancy resource center tax credit from 50% to 70% beginning January 1, 2021.

Missouri Republican mega donor David Humphreys said Parson should veto the bill. In an email to the Kansas City Star, the Joplin businessman said he’s opposed to abortion but he supports a woman’s right to choose, particularly in rape or incest cases.

Missouri House Speaker Elijah Haahr, R-Springfield, thanked Parson for signing the “Missouri Stands for the Unborn Act”.

“The General Assembly has worked tirelessly over the last few months to send the Governor the boldest and most comprehensive pro-life bill in the country to stand for those without a voice. With today’s signing, Missouri’s law will reflect the values of Missourians across the state that believe every child is a gift from God and deserving of the fundamental Constitutional right to life,” said Haahr.

Senator Jill Schupp, D-Creve Coeur, was on the front lines trying to negotiate with Republicans in her chamber on the bill.

“Governor Parson has outlawed abortion for all women, including victims of rape and incest. He has signed a law to take away a woman’s choice before she even knows she’s pregnant. With this new law, the Governor and his Republican Party have shown they don’t trust women, and are too extreme for most Missourians,” said Schupp in a press release.

M’Evie Mead with Planned Parenthood Advocates of Missouri issued a statement in response to the governor’s action today:

“People need to know that this ban is not in effect — yet. Abortion is still legal in this state and Planned Parenthood Advocates will do everything we can to protect access to abortion in Missouri — and hold these extreme politicians accountable for their attacks on our health care,” said Mead.

St. Louis holds Missouri’s lone abortion clinic.

The bill is expected to be blocked through a court challenge. Otherwise, it would become law on August 28.

‘Finest mental hospital in U.S.’ unveiled in Missouri

May 23, 2019 By Alisa Nelson

Missouri no longer has the oldest public mental hospital west of the Mississippi River. The 168-year-old Fulton State Hospital medium and maximum-security building in central Missouri will be replaced in July. According to former Governor Jay Nixon, the new building is the finest mental hospital in the United States.

“We set that bar high. I am 100% confident that today the Show-Me State is leading our country,” says Nixon.

At a ribbon cutting ceremony Wednesday, the 300-bed location was unveiled that showcases Nixon’s name. He says the old site is a dangerous place for the patients, workers and visitors. During his days as Missouri attorney general, Nixon dealt with many legal cases originating at the hospital.

Front lobby

“You defend the state on worker’s compensation and second injury fund cases,” says Nixon. “We just saw this incredible, inordinate number of people who were injured here. Then we began to see more and more significant turnover, especially among nurses and things like that. Folks were giving us trouble about overtime but heck, we were out there trying to recruit people for those positions – they’re dangerous, they’re difficult, people are getting hurt.”

Nixon says a lot of work went into the design of the $211 million hospital to create a more upbeat and safer environment.

“In a facility like this (old building), this was an 1851 basically prison with dark halls and dangerous places. You almost had to visualize what you wanted,” Nixon says.

Front lobby

What makes the new place so great? It includes a lot of natural light – taking away the institutional feel that many mental hospitals carry. The décor gives the facility more of a private hospital vibe. The lighting fixtures are modern. The ceilings are high and the hallways are wider.

There’s a chapel, hair salon, outdoor areas with a basketball court, café, and a game room. A visitation area includes private rooms and a place for kids to play. Patients can also whip up something to eat and practice their culinary skills in a training kitchen. To top it all off, the tables and chairs in these areas are not easy to pick up and throw when someone grows upset.

The old building has barriers for staff trying to monitor clients. Missouri Department of Mental Health Director Mark Stringer says the new hospital has lines of sight that are “1000% better.”

Courtyard

Sound proofing has stepped up at the new site. Noises at the old location echo throughout, creating additional challenges for patients suffering from psychotic disorders who might already hear other voices.

Stringer says the new site should also reduce the amount of overtime the staff is required to work.

“When you have to work overtime time and time again, you get tired and then you make mistakes,” he says.

Stringer goes on to say the state’s five mental hospitals always have staff shortages. He says the Fulton State Hospital staff won’t be downsized as a result of the new site.

Visitors center

The hospital’s Chief Operating Officer, Andy Atkinson, says the new facility will be life changing for its patients and employees.

“This will dramatically improve their quality of life,” he says.

Nixon, a Democrat and Missouri’s 55th governor, says getting the hospital built was a bipartisan effort with the state Legislature.

“This is the kind of things you get if you watch your money well, even in tough times and pass up the simple solutions for one of the best long-term solutions. Here we are, nine, ten years later in the best facility of its type in the country,” says Nixon. “This is the one that just had to be done and didn’t really have any political constituency. When you think about it, these folks are in deep distress. We were able to get folks to come together to do this because it was the right thing to do. I’m confident that it’ll help the department continue to keep longevity among employees, safety among employees and ultimately much better outcomes here. A facility of this capacity can make a huge difference in outcomes.”

Hair salon

He goes on to say the facility could attract research money.

“Especially with the University of Missouri and all the professionals trained there, I think we’re just at the beginning at some of the research,” Nixon says. “My sense is this is a place that will, in the years to come, end up being a very good clinical research facility for important, cutting-edge treatments for the entire country if not the entire world. “

Patients will start moving into the building in July and all the beds will be filled.

Stringer says no decisions have been made about the future use of the old location.

Several state dignitaries were at Wednesday’s ceremony, including Governor Mike Parson, Sen. Jeanie Riddle, Reps. Travis Fitzwater, R-Holts Summit, and David Wood, R-Versailles, Missouri Treasurer Scott Fitzpatrick, and Office of Administration head Sarah Steelman.

Ribbon cutting w/ Gov. Mike Parson and former Gov. Jay Nixon

Riddle, a Republican from central Missouri’s Mokane, says the new hospital is a dream come true for the state and her district that encompasses Fulton.

“This is eleven years finally getting to see this project done,” she says. “We’re going to change the world.”

Missouri Attorney General’s office joins FBI efforts to fight human trafficking, exploiting children

May 21, 2019 By Alisa Nelson

The FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force has added a powerful law enforcement force – Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt’s office. During a press conference Monday in Kansas City, Schmitt says human trafficking is an epidemic.

Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt

“Human trafficking remains one of the top priorities of my office, and we will continually work to build partnerships and compile resources to combat this horrific practice. Whether you’re aware of it or not, human trafficking is happening in Missouri,” he says. “It’s my duty, as attorney general, to do everything we can to combat this practice – these horrible schemes to profit from our most vulnerable and the defenseless.”

The FBI’s task force is made up of eight departments, including the Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office, Joplin Police Department, Kansas Bureau of Investigation, Kansas City Missouri Police Department, Overland Park Police Department, Springfield Missouri Police Department, Topeka Police Department and Wichita Police Department.

The Attorney General’s Office also has resources to show citizens how to spot human trafficking and how to report it, as well as hotline numbers. Trafficking reports can be made at Makemofree.com or by calling the FBI.

Drones are one signature away from being banned near Missouri prisons, mental hospitals

May 20, 2019 By Alisa Nelson

Sen. Denny Hoskins, R-Warrensburg

The Missouri Legislature has passed a bill that includes a no drone fly zone near state prisons and mental hospitals. The issue was championed by Sen. Denny Hoskins, R-Warrensburg, and is a priority for the state Corrections Department.

His district includes the Chillicothe Correctional Center in northwest Missouri.

Department officials say banning the aircraft near institutions could help to fight security threats and illegal smuggling of goods into the prison system.

The fate of the proposal is in the hands of Republican Governor Mike Parson.

Haahr and Quade reflect on Missouri’s 2019 legislative session (AUDIO)

May 20, 2019 By Brian Hauswirth

The Missouri House Speaker describes the 2019 legislative session as the most successful policy session he’s seen in his seven years in the Legislature.

Missouri House Speaker Elijah Haahr, R-Springfield, delivers a rare House floor speech on May 17, 2019 (photo courtesy of Tim Bommel at House Communications)

Speaker Elijah Haahr, R-Springfield, tells Capitol reporters the Legislature passed 94 bills that are now on the governor’s desk.

“Obviously the Missouri Stands for the Unborn Act, what we believe to be the boldest most comprehensive pro-life legislation in the nation. We also passed three different major criminal justice reforms,” Haahr says.

The heartbeat abortion legislation received final approval from the House on Friday afternoon. The vote was 110-44. The bill from State Rep. Nick Schroer, R-O’Fallon, would essentially ban abortions once a fetal heartbeat is detected.

The criminal justice reform measures passed with bipartisan support, and were top priorities for both Speaker Haahr and Missouri’s Legislative Black Caucus. One of the bills eliminates mandatory minimum sentences for some nonviolent crimes.

Haahr is disappointed the Legislature didn’t pass prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP) legislation. During a Friday evening Statehouse press conference, Speaker Haahr told Missourinet he expects PDMP to be filed again in 2020.

“Obviously, the prescription drug monitoring bill was not able to get across the finish line. We remain committed to it, and I believe (Scott City) Representative Holly Rehder remains committed to it as well,” says Haahr.

Missouri is the only state in the nation without a PDMP, which is an electronic database that collects data on controlled substance prescriptions within a state.

Missouri House Minority Leader Crystal Quade, D-Springfield, briefs Capitol reporters on May 17, 2019 (photo courtesy of Tim Bommel at House Communications)

As for Representative Rehder, she tells Missourinet she intends to file PDMP again in January. Rehder says that year after year as lawmakers have failed to act, “thousands of our children have lost their lives.”

Speaker Haahr is also praising the Legislature’s passage of Fast Track, which allows Missourians to receive advanced training in high-demand areas. He’s also pleased with the General Assembly’s quick passage of legislation aimed at attracting a $1 billion expansion at the sprawling General Motors plant in Wentzville.

Haahr says the Legislature has approved a $29.7 billion state operating budget, which fully funds the k-12 school foundation formula. He also praises passage of the bridge bonding bill.

House Democrats were outnumbered this year 114-46, putting them in a superminority.

House Minority Leader Crystal Quade, D-Springfield, delivered a floor speech just before session ended on Friday, saying her members feel ignored by House GOP leaders. Missourinet asked Quade about her comments during Friday evening’s press conference. She says no Democratic budget amendments were approved in committee or on the floor in 2019.

“This is the first time since the Republicans took control of the House (in 2003) that the minority leader didn’t have a single bill move. So few of our members got hearings it was laughable,” Quade says.

Quade says she’s proud of her caucus, adding that Democrats will “work tirelessly” to flip seats in 2020.

Quade says her caucus fought in 2019 to hold the state Department of Revenue (DOR) accountable, over this year’s surprise tax bills.

“House Democrats fought for taxpayers, demanding answers from the Department of Revenue and ultimately forcing the resignation of its director,” says Quade.

Former DOR Director Joel Walters resigned in March, after being criticized by lawmakers in both parties about a tax withholding issue.

House Special Committee on Government Oversight Chairman Robert Ross, R-Yukon, told Missourinet recently that the committee is working to draft a final report about DOR.

One key bill that did pass that had strong support from both Speaker Haahr and Leader Quade is Hailey’s Law, which would require Missouri’s Amber Alert System Oversight Committee to meet at least annually.

The bill, which is sponsored by State Rep. Curtis Trent, R-Springfield, is in response to the gruesome 2014 kidnapping, rape and killing of ten-year-old Hailey Owens in Springfield.

The murder happened in Quade’s district.

Click here to listen to the full press conferences from House Speaker Elijah Haahr, R-Springfield, and House Minority Leader Crystal Quade, D-Springfield, which happened on May 17, 2019 at the Statehouse in Jefferson City:

What bills did the Missouri Legislature pass this year? See the list of top proposals.

May 17, 2019 By Alisa Nelson

The Missouri Legislature’s regular session has come to a close and so has the hustle and bustle over the past five months in Jefferson City. Lawmakers passed 102 pieces of legislation this session and the fate of the proposals lies in the hands of Republican Governor Mike Parson.

Missouri House does the annual toss of the papers to celebrate the end of the 2019 legislative session (Photo courtesy of Tim Bommel, House Communications)

Here is a list of the top measures passed this session:

House Bill 192 would reduce the number of offenders being locked up in local jails and state prisons. The proposal would scrap mandatory minimum sentences for some nonviolent crimes and require the Missouri parole board to evaluate those currently serving mandatory minimums to decide if they should be released. The measure, sponsored by Rep. Bruce DeGroot, R-Chesterfield, would block people from getting thrown back in jail for not paying for their previous jail bills.

Senate Bill 391 would ban Missouri counties from enforcing stricter local health regulations than the state for large animal feed lots. Sen. Mike Bernskoetter, R-Jefferson City, sponsored the measure for Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations, otherwise known as CAFOs. The proposal would bar counties from limiting where CAFOs can be built and adopting tougher environmental regulations.

After shutting down Senate work for 26 hours this week, the Missouri Senate Conservative Caucus budged and let the chamber pass Senate Bill 68 – legislation largely inspired by General Motors. The compromise reached on the incentive package championed by fellow Republican Governor Mike Parson and Sen. Lincoln Hough, R-Springfield, is meant to woo GM for a potential expansion in Wentzville. The plan would give $50 million in tax credits to automakers that invest at least $750 million in plant improvements. It would also provide tax credits earlier in a business expansion and financial aid for people seeking high demand jobs.

House Bill 126 would ban doctors from giving women abortions if they are eight weeks into their pregnancy. Physicians who violate the ban would face 5 to 15 years in prison. The proposal, sponsored by Rep. Nick Schroer, R-O’Fallon, would also prohibit physicians from providing an abortion if the baby would have Down syndrome and abortions sought because of the sex or race of the child. It does not have exemptions for victims of human trafficking, rape or incest. The measure would also require both parents to be told if a minor child wants an abortion.

On the final day of the session, the House passed Senate Concurrent Resolution 14, which is designed to pay for the repairs of 215 Missouri bridges. The measure, sponsored by Sen. Dave Schatz, R-Sullivan, lets the Highways and Transportation Commission issue $301 million in bonds and pay the total amount back within seven years. The proposal would use about $50 million in general state revenue annually for seven years with an additional $35 million for a cost-share program for local infrastructure upgrades. The loan will amount to about $22.6 million in interest. Under the plan, the state would only be allowed to issue the bonds if Missouri gets a federal infrastructure grant.

Senate Bill 7 would shut down lawsuits with out-of-state defendants from filing court cases in St. Louis. The measure, sponsored by Sen. Ed Emery, R-Lamar, would also add restrictions on plaintiffs who attempt to join together in the same court case.

Senate Bill 1 would expand some nonviolent offenses to a list of possible crimes that could be erased from a person’s criminal record. Sen. Kiki Curls, D-Kansas City, is the sponsor of the legislation that would add property damage, fraudulent use of a credit or debit card, and stealing to the list crimes that could be deleted.

House Bill 499 aims to keep struggling state license offices open. The measure, sponsored by Rep. Aaron Griesheimer, R-Washington, would boost fees by about $2.50 to $3, depending on the type of service. The fee increases would be for vehicle licenses, operators’ licenses and vehicle title transfers, which have not been raised since 1999. The 174 license offices employ about 1,700 Missourians.

Senate Bill 336 would fix a loophole in state law that allows in-home daycare providers to care for four children but watch an unlimited number of relatives. Sen. Jill Schupp, D-Creve Coeur, has championed the legislation for 10 years. “Nathan’s Law” would limit the number of children to six with no more than three can be under the age of 2. Violators would face a misdemeanor and potential fines.

The Missouri Legislature has given its stamp of approval to a $29.7 billion state budget for the fiscal year beginning in July. The financial outline includes:

*$50 million in general revenue for a $301 million bond for bridge repairs and another $35 million for a cost-share program with local municipalities to fund road repairs.

*A 3% pay raise for state employees and another 1% salary boost for Department of Corrections workers

*$3.55 billion to fully fund the formula used to finance Missouri’s K-12 public schools – an increase of about $60 million from the current state budget year.

*$108 million to fund K-12 public school bus transportation costs – a $5 million increase from the current fiscal year.

*Core funding increased for all of Missouri’s public universities by $1 million with some, including Missouri State University, receiving as much as a $10 million boost. State Technical College received a $500,000 core increase and $500,000 for deferred maintenance.

*Prevents undocumented immigrants from receiving in-state college tuition

*$5 million for alternatives to jail program for pre-trail electronic ankle bracelets

*$5 million for rural broadband grants

*$8 million in flood recovery aid

*1.5% rate increases to Medicaid providers

BREAKING: Missouri abortion bill heading to governor’s desk; galleries cleared after outbursts

May 17, 2019 By Brian Hauswirth

Legislation that would essentially ban abortions once a fetal heartbeat is detected is on its way to Governor Mike Parson’s desk, after receiving final approval Friday afternoon from the Missouri House.

State Rep. Nick Schroer, R-O’Fallon, speaks on the Missouri House floor on May 13, 2019 in Jefferson City (file photo courtesy of Tim Bommel at House Communications)

The bill is sponsored by State Rep. Nick Schroer, R-O’Fallon. The House vote was 110-44, and happened after about two hours of emotional debate that included numerous outbursts from audience members.

House GOP leaders ordered some galleries to be cleared, after audience members began shouting “when you lie, people die.” After the crowd was removed, lawmakers and reporters could still hear the shouting in Capitol hallways.

A Missourinet reporter observed extra Capitol Police officers in the chamber and hallways this morning, along with plainclothes officers wearing ear pieces.

At least one Democrat, State Rep. Joe Runions, D-Grandview, voted for the bill.

The bill includes exceptions for medical emergencies, but not for rape or incest cases.

The Missouri Senate voted earlier this week to approve the bill. The Senate vote came after about 15 hours of filibuster and negotiations.

The bill contains an emergency clause, which means it will take effect as soon as Governor Mike Parson (R) signs it.

Missouri House expected to debate abortion bill on Friday

May 16, 2019 By Brian Hauswirth

The Missouri House Majority Leader’s office says the heartbeat abortion bill that has attracted national media attention is not expected to be debated in the House until Friday.

Missouri House Speaker Elijah Haahr speaks to Capitol reporters on February 27, 2019 in Jefferson City, as State Reps. Mary Elizabeth Coleman, Adam Schnelting and Nick Schroer look on (file photo courtesy of Tim Bommel at House Communications)

The office of House Majority Leader Rob Vescovo, R-Arnold, tells Missourinet debate is expected tomorrow.

Missouri’s 2019 legislative session ends tomorrow evening at 6, under the state Constitution.

The Missouri Senate voted early this morning to approve a bill that would ban abortions once a fetal heartbeat is detected. The Senate vote came after about 15 hours of filibustering and negotiations.

The bill includes exceptions for medical emergencies, but not for rape or incest cases.

The Senate debate became heated at times, with State Sen. Bob Onder, R-Lake St. Louis, making a serious allegation about trafficking of fetal tissue.

“They removed the ban on fetal tissue trafficking. Right now, I’ve become very convinced for a number of reasons, that there is active trafficking of aborted fetal tissue from the abortion clinic on Forest Park Avenue in St. Louis to Washington University School of Medicine,” Onder said.

State Sen. Jill Schupp, D-Creve Couer, disputes Onder’s claim.

“It’s already illegal and it’s simply untrue. It’s disappointing to hear the Senator speak that way,” Schupp says.

The House approved HB 126 in February by a 117-39 vote, with three Democratic lawmakers voting for the bill. They were State Reps. Steve Butz, D-St. Louis, Joe Runions, D-Grandview, and Rory Rowland, D-Independence.

The legislation, which is sponsored in the House by State Rep. Nick Schroer, R-O’Fallon, would prohibit selective abortions due to sex, race or diagnosis of Down Syndrome.

Opponents include State Rep. Deb Lavander, D-Kirkwood, who has said that lawmakers should be focusing instead on Missouri’s high maternal mortality rate.

Missouri Senate passes eight-week abortion ban bill

May 16, 2019 By Alisa Nelson

After about 15 hours of stalling and negotiating, the Missouri Senate has passed a bill that would ban abortions at eight weeks of pregnancy. During the wee hours this morning, the chamber endorsed the measure along party lines that includes exceptions for medical emergencies, but not for rape or incest cases. Under the plan, abortion doctors would face five to 15 years in prison for violating the eight-week limit.

State Senator Bob Onder

Lake St. Louis Republican Bob Onder, who was visibly outraged, does not think the legislation is tough enough. He says many things were stripped out of the original version.

“What in the world was the justification for why we can’t protect babies born alive after abortions,” he asks. “This should be entitled not the ‘Missouri Stands for the Unborn Act’ but ‘Missouri Stands for the Unborn Act – sort of kind of only after the minority party and the smartest Planned Parenthood lawyers in the country were done with the bill’. We should be ashamed of ourselves. This bill, yes, is better than nothing but is a shadow of what it once was.”

Onder also made a serious allegation about the trafficking of fetal tissue.

Creve Coeur Democrat Jill Schupp disputes the claim.

“It’s already illegal and it’s simply untrue,” Schupp says. “It’s disappointing to me to hear the Senator speak that way.”

Sen. Jill Schupp (D-Creve Coeur)

M’Evie Mead with Planned Parenthood says the “rhetoric” is blatantly false and irresponsible.

Schupp goes on to say it is outrageous the bill does not contain exemptions for victims of human trafficking, rape or incest.

“House Bill 126 is still an extreme and egregious piece of legislation that puts women’s health at risk,” she says. “It is unconstitutional. It is dangerous.”

She says the proposal would also cap tax credits to pro-life pregnancy resource centers at a 70% return rate.

“This is an irresponsible move. We don’t know what the fiscal note from year to year will end up being,” Schupp says.

The proposal would also ban doctors from providing an abortion if the baby would have Down syndrome and abortions sought because of the sex or race of the child. The measure would require both parents to be notified if a minor child is seeking an abortion.

With two days to go in the legislative session, House Bill 126 heads back to the House.