On October 21, 2025, Mark Howell was reported for making terroristic threats against the Missouri Adult Probation Department, stating via text that he possessed a chlorine bomb and would “rain hell” if incarcerated again. The threats were prompted by Howell’s anger over a standard $550 intervention fee and an impending felony case in Cole County for assaulting correctional staff.
A Probation Officer, who received the messages, reported Howell’s history of meth use, military service, and prior violence. They expressed concern for his safety and that of his child, who attends the same preschool as Howell’s child at Willow Springs Elementary. He also noted the impact on the 40–45 employees in his bureau and requested prosecution.
The threats, which were directed at the department rather than the officer personally, prompted law enforcement to notify MIAC, the Howell County Sheriff’s Department, West Plains PD, and the Willow Springs school resource officer. Heightened security was recommended at both the probation office and the school.
Charges include Tampering with a Judicial Officer (§ 575.095 RSMo) and Making a Terrorist Threat in the First Degree (§ 574.115 RSMo), both class D felonies. Howell declined to speak with investigators.
