Nine cases heard during March 3 Law Day

Ozark County Law Day was held March 3, when four civil cases and five criminal cases were brought before the court. Circuit Judge Craig Carter handled most of the cases, with the exception of  the case of James Klein (see below), who appeared before Associate Judge Lynette Veenstra. 

Sentenced to treatment program

James Klein, who pleaded guilty to possession of a controlled substance in July 2020, appeared for a probation-violation hearing. According to the online court record, Klein, who chose to represent himself at the hearing before Associate Judge Veenstra, said he had violated his probation by not entering the drug court treatment program he was ordered to enter as a part of his original sentencing. 

Veenstra ordered Klein to complete a 120-day institutional post-conviction drug treatment program in the Missouri Department of Corrections. The judge noted that all other conditions will remain the same in the case, including Klein’s requirement to complete drug court. 

Since he pleaded guilty in July 2020, six probation-violation citation reports have been filed by the Missouri Department of Probation and Parole.

Justin W. Willhite, who pleaded guilty to burglary and stealing ($750 in value or more) in June 2018, appeared for a probation-violation hearing. Ozark County Prosecuting Attorney John Garrabrant told the judge he plans to ask that Willhite’s probation be revoked and that he be sent to prison. The hearing was continued to 9 a.m. Wednesday, April 7.

Hearing continued

Sharon K. Ashmead, Gaines-ville, charged with two counts of possession of a controlled substance, appeared for a plea hearing or trial setting. It was continued to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 17.

No online update

Nicholas J. Keeling, charged with possession of a controlled substance, appeared for a plea hearing/trial setting. It was continued to 9 a.m. Wednesday, April 7.