Press Releases

PRESS RELEASE

 

     On May 14, 2008 Detectives from the City of Troy Police Department in collaboration with Springfield Missouri Police Department arrest Daniel P. Almaguer age 35 of Springfield Missouri.

 In March of 2008, detectives from Troy began an undercover internet investigation.  During the investigation Almaguer made contact with an individual he believed to be a 14 year old female juvenile.  During on line chats Almaguer made sexual advances toward the juvenile.  On several occasions Almaguer exposed himself using a webcam to the juvenile.  Almaguer also offered the juvenile money to perform sexual acts.  The chats continued from March to April of 2008.  On May 12, 2008 the Lincoln County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office issued warrants for Almaguer’s arrest.  Almaguer was charged with 3 counts of Felony Enticement of a Child and 1 count of Patronizing Prostitution.  The Honorable Judge Amy Kinker set bond at $75,000 cash only.  On Wednesday May 14 Detective Sgt. Patton and Detective Stewart along with Detective Corporal David Stone from the Springfield Police Department executed a search warrant of Almaguer’s residence.  Several items were seized during the warrant.  Almaguer was transported to the Lincoln County Jail were he currently awaits trial.

      In March of 2007 Troy became a member of the Missouri Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force.  In June of this year Troy will become an active member of the Regional Computer Crimes Education and Enforcement Group.  RCCEEG StL is an organization of law enforcement officers, prosecutors and computer professionals in the St. Louis area and surrounding counties; dedicated to providing manpower, technical and legal assistance in computer crime education and investigation.  RCCEEG also provides education presentations and information about internet safety to schools, parents and children ages K-12.

 

Daniel P. Almaguer

Any group or organization wanting more information can contact the Troy Police Department at 636-528-4725.

 

November 8th, 2007

HOME DRUG TESTING KITS AVAILABLE TO PARENTS

     Troy – Local Law Enforcement agencies have united to provide the parents of area teens with home drug-testing kits. The Chiefs of Police for the City of Elsberry, Winfield, and Troy have agreed to join in an alliance with TestMyTeen.com to make home test kits available anonymously to parents of teens. TestMyTeen.com has donated over $5,000 worth of free home drug test kit vouchers to each of these agencies.  The vouchers can be received directly from the participating law enforcement agencies or electronically by visiting the Department’s Web sites at troypolice.com or www.Elsberrycity.com. Frequently asked questions about home-based substance abuse testing are available at www.TestMyTeen.com.  These test kits close the gap between what parents think they know and reality," said Chief Jeff Taylor. "Quite often, parents are the first to notice a change in their child’s behavior, but the last to consider drugs use as the cause.”  Parents can protect the privacy of their teen by conducting the test in their home. The possibility of home drug testing also provided teens with a “socially acceptable” way to say no to drugs, alcohol, and tobacco. When they are pressured by peers to accept drugs, they can simply respond, “My parents test me”.   “In the absence of drugs, teens can have a much better chance at enjoying a successful future,” said Chief Aaron O’Brien. Chief Sam Stewart added, “If you really want to protect your kids, you're not going to be afraid to test them," he said. "If they're clean, they can focus on the better things in life."

 For more information about the home test kits contact a member of any participating law enforcement agency or visit www.TestMyTeen.com

 

     On 06-12-07 Officer Niel Pikulski responded to a call of 2 very young children playing in the street without parental supervision.  The children were located in the 400 block of West College.  Upon arrival he spoke to the person that had called for the police.  She stated to the officer she had been driving down the street and noticed the 2 children, that appeared to be approximately 2 and 3 years old, playing in the street.  She then went to the front door of the residence where the children were playing and noticed a women sleeping on a couch inside the house.  She attempted several times to get the women’s attention by knocking and ringing the doorbell.  The women finally answered the door and appeared disoriented.  She explained to the women that her kids were running in and out of the middle of the street and the other child was playing in a closed car in the driveway.  The women then took one of the kids inside and left the other child in the car.  At this time the women that noticed the children out, contacted 911 for assistance.  She remained on scene until the police arrived.  Officer Pikulski made contact with the parent of the children and asked her about the situation.  She advised she had taken some medication that made her sleepy and must have fallen asleep on the couch when her children got out.  The parent was identified as Jennifer Fitzwater and was subsequently charged with 2 counts of a class D felony of Endangering the Welfare of a Child.  She was placed on a $20,000 bond with no 10% authorized by the Honorable Judge Burkemper.

     On 05-24-07 Officer Niel Pikulski of the Troy Police Department responded to the Quick Cash store located on Hwy 47 for the report of a subject trying to cash a stolen check.  Upon arrival, he was able to speak to the subject attempting to cash the check.  She stated she was paid to help someone work on a house.  Upon further investigation, it was discovered the check was stolen and forged through an employee that worked for the check owner.  The check was passed to the female subject who was told if she cashed it, he would split it with her.  A couple of attempts were made to cash the check when the clerk became suspicious and contacted the check owner and then contacted the police.  The first suspect, Tomanika D. Browder, was arrested and charged with a class C felony of forgery and placed on a $2500 bond per the honorable Judge Burkemper.  The other suspect, Chad E. Vinson, was subsequently arrested and charged with a class C felony of forgery and placed on a $2500 cash only bond per the Honorable Judge Burkemper.

     An investigation into possible drug activity in Elsberry led to an arrest of a subject for felony drug violations by the Municipal Drug Task Force.

     On May 4th, Task Force Officers received information about a subject who was actively distributing illegal drugs at a location in Elsberry.  At that point Task Force Officers established an observation point so they could monitor the residence.  Upon seeing a subject at the residence, Task Force Officers made contact.  Upon making contact, the suspect at the residence attempted to flee.  While fleeing from the Officers, the suspect was observed throwing plastic bags from his pocket.  The suspect was apprehended and placed under arrest.  In addition, the plastic bags were found to contain crack cocaine.  A search of the residence revealed an additional amount of crack cocaine, as well as marijuana, heroin, and item consistent with the distribution of controlled substances.  

     Arrested and charged was Dyonndre Edward Smith, 26, of St. Louis.  Smith was taken to the Lincoln County Jail where he was held for bond.  Lincoln County Prosecutor G. John Richards filed a criminal complaint charging Smith with the Class B felony of possession of a controlled substance with the intent to distribute (crack cocaine), and the Class C felony of possession of a controlled substance (heroin).  Bond was set at $75,000 with no 10% authorized by the Honorable Judge Amy Kinker.

     The Joint Municipal Drug Task Force is a combined effort between the Winfield, Elsberry, and Troy Police Department to combat the illegal narcotic activity in the area.  

     Anyone with information may contact the Municipal Drug Task Force at 636-528-0478.  Anonymous calls are welcome.

     On 05-06-07 Officer Brian Vescovo of the Troy Police Department was dispatched to the Lewis Street Apartments for the report of a possible leaving the scene accident.  Upon arrival Officer Vescovo spoke with the complainant.  She stated to him that she noticed her vehicle had a large dent in the passenger door with green paint transfer.  She further reported an intoxicated subject known to her as Elfego Hernandez came to her residence and she had asked him to leave.  While he was leaving, she noticed his green van was parked just along side her vehicle.  She went out to her car shortly after he left to notice the dent in her car.  Officer Vescovo shortly after taking the report noticed the suspect vehicle parked at another location.  He was able to make contact with the suspect, who was located in the vehicle.  Officer Vescovo noticed damage to the van consistent to the damage left on the complainant’s vehicle.  Elfego Hernandez was subsequently arrested and charged with a class D felony of leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident.  He was placed on a $2500 bond with no 10% authorized by the Honorable Judge Kinker.

    On 05-06-07 Detective Sergeant James Patton of the Troy Police Department had investigated a crime of a stolen vehicle.  The vehicle was stolen from the 300 block of  Excalibur Blvd. and was later recovered in Blue Earth County, Minnesota.  Upon further investigation into the stolen vehicle by Detective Sergeant Patton it was discovered Dillon D. Anderson had broke into the victims’ house while they were gone for the weekend and took some items from the house along with a 1998 Ford Taurus.  He then traveled to his parents house in Blue Earth County, Minnesota.  Dillon D. Anderson was charged with Count I, a class C felony of tampering in the first degree, Count II class C felony of burglary in the second degree, and Count III class D felony stealing.  He was placed on a $75,000 bond with no 10% authorized by the honorable Judge Kinker.

 

     On 05-06-07 Detective Sean Graham of the Troy Police Department was contacted to investigate a possible burglary of a residence in the 100 block of Main Street.  Upon arrival and speaking to the victim, the evidence collected along with a list of items taken seemed to be items of interest to the victim’s ex-girlfriend.  Detective Graham was able to make contact with the ex-girlfriend, identified as Janice F. Burkett.  Upon interview of Janice, she admitted to breaking into the residence and taking the items that were reported missing.  She had claimed they were her items and was just trying to get them back.  She was charged with a class C felony of burglary in the second degree and placed on a $25,000 bond with no 10% authorized by the Honorable Judge Kinker.

     On 05-11-07 Officer Roger Mauzy of the Troy Police Department conducted a traffic stop for a traffic violation in the area of Cherry Street.  Upon requesting a driver’s license from the driver, it was noted the driver did not have a driver’s license, and upon a check through the computer, revealed that the driver was revoked.  The driver was arrested and placed in the back of the patrol vehicle while the driver’s vehicle was searched incident to arrest.  The driver was transported to the Troy Police Substation for processing.  While getting the driver out of the back of the patrol car, a white rock substance was located, along with another unknown substance.  The white rock substance had field tested positive for cocaine and the other substance was sent to the lab for analysis.  The driver, identified as Anthony L. Robinson, was then charged with a class C felony of possession of a controlled substance and placed on a $25,000 bond with no 10% authorized by the Honorable Judge Burkemper.

     On 05-01-07 Officer Vescovo of the Troy Police Department responded to the lobby of the police department for the report of a past disturbance.  Upon arrival at the station, Officer Vescovo interviewed the victim.  The victim claimed to have been assaulted over the course of the past three days.  She had apparently been assaulted at her residence in the 500 block of Cherry Street.  The confrontations occurred over several incidents at different times.  Officer Vescovo did observe what appeared to be injuries consistent with the victim’s statement.  Subsequently the suspect, Eric A. Shryock, was charged with a class C felony of domestic assault in the second degree and placed on a $25,000 no 10% authorized by the Honorable Judge Kinker.

     On 04-27-07 Officer Stewart, along with the assistance of Officer Priest of the Troy Police Department, responded to the 400 block of Fawn Run Drive for the report of a possible disturbance.  Upon arrival the officers made contact with both of the subjects involved.  Both subjects admitted being involved in a physical confrontation at the residence.  Lincoln County Ambulance District was called to the scene to treat both subjects.  After medical treatment and investigation of the incident, both subjects were arrested and transported to jail.  Michael D. Jones was charged with a class C felony of domestic assault in the second degree and placed on a $50,000 cash only bond by the Honorable Judge Burkemper.  Veronica S. Studdard was charged with a class C felony of domestic assault in the second degree and placed on a $20,000 bond with no 10% surety allowed by the Honorable Judge Burkemper.

     On 04-23-07 Officer Mauzy with the Troy Police Department made contact with a subject who stated that his debit card had been taken and used without his permission.  He had noticed the card was used twice at the People’s Bank in Troy to withdrawal money from an ATM and another transaction at the Q-Stop in Troy.  Upon further investigation into the incident, it was discovered a subject by the name of Douglas G. Kidwell had taken the card without the owner’s consent.  He was subsequently charged with a class C felony of stealing and placed on a $2500 cash only bond by the Honorable Judge Burkemper.

     On 04/06/07 Officer Robert Huffmon of the Troy Police Department responded to the 200 block of Hickory Forest Drive for the report of a domestic disturbance.  The male subject involved in the disturbance was reported to have a weapon.  Upon arrival Officer Huffmon with assistance of Sgt. Mueller were able to make contact with all subjects involved without further incident.  It was determined that a subject, identified as Mark A. Boschert, was threatening a family member with a shotgun.  The shotgun was seized and Mark Boschert was arrested and transported to jail.  Mark was charged with a class d felony, attempt to commit domestic assault in the 2nd degree.  He was placed on a $2500 no 10% cash only bond by the Honorable Judge Kinker.

    On 04/02/07 Officer Kirk Rose of the Troy Police department stopped a vehicle for multiple traffic violations in the area of Highway 47 and Front Street.  During the course of the traffic stop, Officer Rose could smell the odor of marijuana emitting from the car.  A search of the vehicle was conducted to reveal precursors of drug distribution and a large amount of marijuana.  It was also discovered that the passenger of the vehicle was the owner of the car and admitted to all the contents of the vehicle.  The passenger, identified as Tyrone Short, was arrested and transported to jail and charged with a class B felony of possession of a controlled substance with the intent to distribute.  He was then placed on a $30,000 bond with no 10% authorized by the Honorable Judge Burkemper.

     On 03-15-2007 Officer James Stewart of the Troy Police Department was dispatched to 525 East College for the report of a suicidal subject.  Information indicated that the suspect may be armed with a gun.  Prior to the arrival of the police officers, the suspect had fired the gun into a wall at the residence.  Officer Stewart, along with assisting officers, evacuated neighbors and set up a perimeter on the house.  After a short standoff, Officer Stewart was able to arrest the suspect without further incident.  The gun used in the incident was a rifle located in the trunk of the suspect’s car, that was parked in the driveway.  The suspect, identified as Patrick L. Dunn, was transported to jail and charged with a class D felony of unlawful use of a weapon and placed on a $2500 bond with no 10% authorized by the Honorable Judge Kinker.

 

     On 03-18-2007 officer Brian Vescovo of the Troy Police Department responded to 300 Marble Street for the report of property damage.  Upon arrival Officer Vescovo spoke to the reporting person.  The subject told Officer Vescovo that a man by the name of Steven Cooper came to her residence looking for his girlfriend.  When Steven asked if his girlfriend was there, the subject said that his girlfriend did not want to talk to him.  She then shut the door.  Steven then proceeded to kick in the front door and ran back into a bedroom where his girlfriend was located.  He then assaulted his girlfriend and left the residence on foot.  The suspect, identified as Steven T. Cooper, was subsequently arrested and transported to jail and charged with a class B felony of burglary in the first degree and placed on a $50,000 bond with no 10% authorized by the Honorable Judge Kinker.

    On 01/31/07 the Troy Narcotics Team (TNT) was requested by Sgt. Wolfe to respond to the Troy Police Substation for an arrest he had made at Wal-Mart for shoplifting.  Upon arrival they were advised during a search incident to arrest, he discovered in the suspect’s purse what appeared to be items consistent with illegal drug use.  The Troy Narcotics Team (TNT) confirmed the items in the purse were items of illegal drug use.  At this time the suspect, identified as Tina C. Breakfield, was transported to jail, charged with a class C felony possession of a controlled substance, and placed on a $25,000 bond with no 10% surety authorized by the Honorable Judge Kinker.

 

      On 01/09/07 the Troy Narcotics Team (TNT) was requested to respond to the 900 block of Cherry Street by Detective Sgt. Patton during a follow up investigation of a burglary.  During the follow up investigation, Detective Sgt. Patton noticed an item consistent of drug use.  The Troy Narcotics Team (TNT) searched the residence to find several items consistent of drug use and illegal drugs.  The suspect, Regina D. Noyes, was arrested and transported to the jail.  She was charged with 2 counts of a class C felony possession of a controlled substance and placed on a $50,000 bond with no 10% surety authorized by the Honorable Judge Kinker.

 

      On 02/02/07 the Troy Narcotics Team (TNT), with assistance of the Troy Police Detective Bureau and Patrol Officers, conducted a search warrant at 401Ninth St.  During the course of the search warrant and investigation several items consistent with illegal drug use along with illegal drugs were located in different areas of the residence.  During the search, several dangerous instruments were located along with questionable living conditions for two children that were present.  The suspect, identified as Mona Eaton, was arrested and transported to the jail.  She was charged with a class C felony possession of a controlled substance and a second count of a class C felony of endangering the welfare of a child.  Mona Eaton was placed on a $30,000 bond with no 10% authorized by the Honorable Judge Burkemper.

 

      On 02/05/07 Officer Charlie Smith of the Troy Police Department responded to the 500 block of Cap-Au-Gris for the report of a domestic dispute.  Upon arrival Officer Smith spoke to all subjects involved in the dispute.  During the course of the investigation he discovered the victim had been struck in the head with a plastic, cooler type lunchbox, causing a notable head injury.  The suspect, Jodie M. Salm, was arrested and transported to jail.  She was charged with a class C felony of assault in the 2nd degree and placed on a $25,000 bond with no 10% authorized by the Honorable Judge Burkemper.

 

     On 02/02/07 Major Raymond Floyd of the Troy Police Department made contact with a subject near the Troy Police Department.  Upon making contact, he noticed the subject was driving a vehicle that matched the description of a vehicle reported stolen on 01/25/07.  Major Floyd verified the vehicle was stolen through a check at Central Communications.  After an interview with the driver of the stolen vehicle, it was discovered that the vehicle had actually been stolen by another person.  Major Floyd responded to the location where the suspect had been staying and made an arrest.  Upon a formal interview of the suspect, Danielle N. Stiffler, she admitted to entering the residence and retrieving keys to the vehicle and then taking the vehicle.  Danielle Stiffler was charged with a class C felony of burglary in the second degree and a second count of a class C felony of tampering in the first degree.  She was placed on a $50,000 bond with no 10% authorized by the Honorable Judge Burkemper.

 

 

     On 02/02/07 Detective Sergeant James Patton with the Troy Police Department conducted an investigation involving a police report for a stolen Visa Debit Card and $100 in cash taken from a purse.  Upon further investigation it was discovered Danielle N. Stiffler had taken the debit card and cash and went to Wal-Mart and made one transaction with the debit card and attempted to use the card a second time when the card was denied.  She then paid for the other items with cash.  These actions were recorded on the video surveillance system at Wal-Mart.  While Danielle Stiffler was in custody on other charges, Detective Sergeant Patton conducted a formal interview where Danielle admitted to the stealing.  She was then charged with a class C felony of stealing and placed on a $5000 bond with no 10% authorized by the Honorable Judge Kinker.

 

        On 02-05-07 while on patrol Officer Reeds of the Troy Police Department noticed 2 men arguing in the parking lot of the Conoco gas station.  As he approached the 2 men, one of the subjects had a shovel and struck the victim in the shoulder.  Officer Reeds arrested the suspect, identified as Julius Bradshaw, and was transported to jail.  Julius Bradshaw was charged with a class C felony of assault in the second degree and a second count of felony armed criminal action and was placed on a $5000 bond with no 10% surety authorized by the Honorable Judge Kinker.

 

        On 01-17-2007 at approximately 1800 hours Officer Rose was dispatched to the Lincoln County Medical Center for the report of a domestic assault and rape.  Upon arrival he met with the victim.  After a description of the incident from the victim, Detective Sgt. Patton and Asst. Chief Floyd from the Troy Police Department were contacted to investigate further.  A S.A.N.E. nurse (a specialized nurse assigned to sexual assault cases) was also on scene to assist the victim.  During the investigation it was discovered the victim was assaulted physically and sexually by the suspect, Alvin Buechel.  He was arrested and later served a warrant for count one class C felony of domestic assault in the second degree and a second count of felony forcible rape with a $50,000 bond with no 10% authorized by the Honorable Judge Burkemper.

 

           On 01-09-07 at approximately 0817 hrs Officer Stewart was dispatched to the Troy Presbyterian Church for the report of a small child that had been located wandering the area.  On arrival Officer Stewart met with the Pastor of the church.  The Pastor stated he saw the juvenile walking back and forth in front of his residence.  The child appeared to be upset and crying.  Officer Stewart recognized the child from a previous, similar, incident on 12-29-06.  It was further noted the child had a minor dog bite he must have sustained while he was walking around.  The Lincoln County Ambulance District was contacted and the child was examined and released on the scene.  The Department of Family Services was also contacted to take custody of the child.  Contact was made with the father, Zachary Lechleitner, and was advised of the situation.  The father was unaware that the child had left the residence.  Zachary was subsequently charged and a warrant was issued for a class C felony of endangering the welfare of a child in the first degree with a $2000 cash only bond by the Honorable Judge Burkemper.

 

              On 01-09-07 at approximately 1649 hours the Troy Police were dispatched to Melody Lane for the report of a possible domestic disturbance in progress.  Officer Stewart arrived on scene and spoke to a friend of the victim.  The friend of the victim stated when she arrived at the victim’s house she noticed a subject identified as Derek Brockman standing over the victim and she was holding her hands over her face.  The friend stated she was attempting to get the victim to her house for safety.  Upon further investigation it was discovered the victim was assaulted by her son, Derek Brockman.  Derek was transported to the Lincoln County Jail while charges were filed with the Lincoln County Prosecutor’s Office.  A warrant was issued for a class C felony of domestic assault in the second degree by the Honorable Judge Burkemper with a $10,000 cash only bond.

 

*All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.