Joplin Metro
Prosecution says lack of cooperation prompts dropping of charges against Joplin man
By Jeff Lehr
jlehr@joplinglobe.com
A Joplin man pleaded guilty Wednesday in Jasper County Circuit Court to a misdemeanor drug offense and was released from jail in a case involving the alleged threatening of a woman with a knife in April.
Bobby D. Sweeney, 32, had been charged with four felony counts following an incident April 13 in the 2700 block of South Missouri Avenue.
Police and court records show that officers were called to the address in reference to a woman allegedly being held against her will. The woman, who said she had been in a relationship with Sweeney for a couple of months, told officers that he put a knife to her throat and threatened to kill her, their family and their dog if she told anyone he was manufacturing methamphetamine, according to a probable-cause affidavit.
A second affidavit states that the woman also told police that Sweeney had stolen a computer that belonged to her father, while a third affidavit alleged that a syringe containing meth was found in the house. Sweeney initially was charged with unlawful use of a weapon, theft, manufacturing a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance.
Assistant Prosecutor Theresa Kenney said those charges had to be dropped Wednesday because of a lack of cooperation on the part of the victim.
Sweeney pleaded guilty to misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia instead, and was given credit for four months served in jail.
- Joplin Metro
-
-
Lobbyist: Bill on tax-stacking appears stalled
A fix for Joplin’s tax-stacking exposure has not materialized in this session of state legislative action, as city leaders had hoped.
And, with only four days left before the session ends, not much chance is seen for the rescue of a bill that would protect Joplin, and other cities, from potential lawsuits such as one filed last year over the city’s multiple sales taxes. -
Sex offender sentenced for failure to register
A former Texan was assessed two three-year prison terms Monday for failing to register in Jasper County as a sex offender and for receiving stolen property.
Clay E. Herring, 53, pleaded guilty Feb. 22 to the charges in Jasper County Circuit Court. -
Drunken driver assessed suspended sentence in crash
A Webb City man was assessed a suspended sentence Monday on an assault conviction for operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated in an accident two years ago that caused serious injuries to another man.
Justin M. Allen, 32, pleaded guilty March 22 in Jasper County Circuit Court to second-degree assault in connection with a two-vehicle accident May 13, 2008, on Highway 43 north of Joplin. -
Salary schedule to come before Board of Education
A proposal that would institute a pay freeze next year and slightly reduce starting pay for new teachers is to be taken up tonight by the Joplin School Board.
Superintendent C.J. Huff said the salary schedule that will come before the board will include changes that would reduce the annual starting pay for new teachers with no experience next year from $33,372 to $33,122. -
Brad Belk: May tornadoes struck Joplin twice in 1970s
Two incredibly destructive and deadly tornadoes touched down in Joplin during the early 1970s.
Both occurred during the month of May and were separated by just a little over two years of time. -
Mothers, daughters experience pioneer life at nature center
Mothers and daughters got an early Mother’s Day treat last week when they stepped back in time to learn how nature played a role in the life of a pioneer woman.
-
Students brave cold, wind for Fun Run
Sixth-grader Lexie Vaught found a burst of energy as she ran down the final stretch of her mile-long run Saturday morning, well ahead of the other girls in her race.
“I was pacing myself until I got to the end,” she said. “It was amazing (to cross the finish line).” -
Summer school programs facing financial pressure
When Jessica Stahl sent her daughter to summer school last year, it was as much about easing mom’s kindergarten jitters as her daughter’s.
“I’ve never been a school parent,” Stahl said Wednesday while waiting to pick up her six-year-old daughter from Columbia Elementary School. -
VPAA search looms large in MSSU faculty relations
The filling of the position of vice president for academic affairs is emerging as a key issue for faculty relations at Missouri Southern State University and could determine whether any trust can be rebuilt with President Bruce Speck, several faculty said.
-
Fuel prices could be peaking
For a while there, it looked like gasoline would reach $3 for a gallon of regular, and it still might, but the chance of that happening is less likely today than it was even a few days ago.
- More Joplin Metro Headlines
-
Lobbyist: Bill on tax-stacking appears stalled
