FROM THE MISSOURI HIGHWAY PATROL:

 
On September 8, 2009, a report from a concerned motorist on U.S. Highway 71 in McDonald County led to a traffic stop by Missouri State Highway Patrol troopers which resulted in the recovery of stolen cattle, a stolen livestock trailer, and the arrest of three Arkansas residents.

At approximately 8:35 a.m., a motorist traveling north on U.S. 71 in McDonald County notified law enforcement of what appeared to be the leg of a cow that had fallen through the bottom of a livestock trailer as the trailer was being pulled north on U.S. 71, near Goodman, Missouri.  Shortly after the call, troopers stopped the driver of 1986 Ford pickup bearing Arkansas registration at the interchange of U.S. 71 and Missouri Route B.  The driver was pulling a livestock trailer containing 11 head of cattle with the leg of one of the animals dragging on the roadway due to a partially damaged floor in the trailer.  

Improper registration on the pickup and trailer, as well as inconsistencies identified from speaking with the driver and two passengers led to further investigation which revealed the trailer and cattle were stolen from the Southern McDonald County area.  Due to injuries, four head of cattle were humanely destroyed at a local veterinarian’s office.

Holder P. Crow, 44, Garfield, Arkansas, and passengers Ricky K. Obenshain, 34, Hinesville, Arkansas, and Stephanie J. Weston, 36, Pea Ridge, Arkansas, were arrested for stealing (trailer), stealing of livestock, and animal abuse.  All three were transported to the McDonald County Jail in Pineville, Missouri.

The charges for which Holder P. Crow, Ricky K. Obenshain, and Stephanie J. Weston were arrested are mere accusations and are not evidence of guilt.  Evidence in support of the charges must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty it is to determine guilt or innocence.