AVA, Mo. — A Mansfield man was arrested last week following a trespassing and theft-related investigation at a rural Douglas County property.
According to the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Jessie Doherty, 45, was taken into custody on Feb. 19 after a warrant was served in connection with an incident reported earlier this month at a property located off RR 7 near Ava.
The investigation stemmed from a report made on Feb. 13 by a property owner who stated Doherty was found on the land without permission. The property owner reported Doherty was present with a truck and trailer positioned near a burned 2021 New Holland skid steer, with trailer ramps lowered in a manner consistent with preparing to load the equipment. The skid steer was estimated to be valued at approximately $1,000.
The property owner stated Doherty did not have authorization to be on the property or to remove the skid steer or any other items. The owner also advised that Doherty had previously submitted an offer to purchase the property, which was later rejected.
During a follow-up interview, the property owner reported multiple items had gone missing from the property since the rejected offer, including two gray plastic picnic tables with black legs and three black folding tables. The owner also reported a chain placed across the driveway had been taken down and later put back up, indicating unauthorized entry.
A warrant for Doherty’s arrest was issued on Feb. 18. The warrant was served the following day by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office.
Bond was set at $15,000 cash. An arraignment was held Feb. 20 in Douglas County Circuit Court. A bond reduction hearing has been scheduled for 11 a.m. Feb. 26 before Judge Elizabeth A. Bock.
All charges are allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
