The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control (DDCC) announces formal charges against Jerry S. Barnett, 38, of Norwood, MO, Justin L. Emery, 42, of Mountain Grove, MO, and Jared D. Mings, 44, of Mountain Grove, MO. The three men were arrested following an investigation conducted by the Rural Crimes Investigation Unit (RCIU) of the Patrol.
On September 16, 2025, DDCC investigators were made aware of a possible livestock theft in rural Texas County, MO. The owner of the cattle resided out of state and reported their cattle were stolen.
DDCC investigators identified three suspects and followed up on additional leads and obtained evidence connecting Barnett to the theft of the livestock. Investigators later discovered Barnett obtained assistance from Emery and Mings, who sold the cattle under their respective names. The investigation revealed Mings sold three head of cattle on July 16, 2025. Emery sold six additional head of cattle on August 27, 2025.
At the conclusion of the investigation, DDCC investigators sent a Probable Cause Statement to the Texas County Prosecutor seeking felony charges on Barnett, Emery, and Mings for their involvement in the theft and sale of the livestock. On March 5, 2026, Grand Jury Warrants were obtained for the arrest of Emery, Mings, and Barnett for one count each: Theft of Livestock (class C felony) and Stealing (class D felony).
On March 9, 2026, Barnett was served notice of the warrant while in custody at the Texas County Jail, where he was incarcerated on unrelated charges. He is being held on $3,000.00 bond.
On March 11, 2026, RCIU investigators and Operation Relentless Pursuit (ORP) officers located and arrested Mings in Wright County, MO. He was transported to the Wright County Jail and is being held on $2,500.00 bond.
On March 17, 2026, ORP and RCIU investigators located and arrested Emery in Texas County. He was transported to the Texas County Jail and is being held on $3,500.00 bond.
A Texas County Grand Jury has indicted Barnett, Emery, and Mings for the previously mentioned charges and each have a pending court date for their respective charges.
The above charges are a mere accusation and are not evidence of guilt. Evidence in support of these charges must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence. DDCC is committed to serving those in our rural communities and encourages anyone with information regarding livestock theft to report it to the Missouri Livestock and Farm Protection Task Force at 888-484-8477.
