69 cases heard during OC law day

Almost 70 cases were heard by Judge Craig Carter during the Oct. 8 session of Ozark County Circuit Court.

Betty Ousley, 63, of Tecumseh, successfully completed Ozark County Drug Court and graduated from the program Sept. 10, 2025. She was continued on probation for one year, as required by law, with a review in six months.

Ousley was thankful for the program that has helped her, she told Judge Carter. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to be in the program,” she said before leaving the courtroom.

Several persons also pleaded guilty to various charges. (See stories at right and below.)

Not guilty pleas

Sarah Wollin pleaded not guilty to the charge of unlawful possession of a firearm. She is scheduled to appear at 9 a.m. Dec. 3. 

Joshua Benson pleaded not guilty in five separate cases. He faces three charges of possession of a controlled substance, three charges of driving while revoked/suspended, two charges of unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia, three charges of unlawful possession of a firearm, hindering prosecution of a felony, and unlawful use of a weapon by possessing a weapon and a felony controlled substance. Benson is set to appear at 9 a.m. Jan. 7, 2026.

Eric McCrackin pleaded not guilty to possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia with a prior drug offense.

Pamela Marler entered a plea of not guilty to charges of delivery of a controlled substance except 35 grams or less of marijuana or synthetic cannaboid, first degree first offense endangering the welfare of a child involving drugs, and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia with a prior drug offense.

James Bliss entered a plea of not guilty to charges of possession of a controlled substance, keeping or maintaining a public nuisance, and animal neglect or abandonment. He was found to owe Court Probationary Services over $500. He was taken into custody and transported to the Ozark County Jail. He is scheduled to appear at 1:30 p.m. Oct. 27.

Taken into custody

A bond review hearing was held for Brian Harris. The court found that Harris owes Court Probationary Services more than $900. He was remanded into custody of the Ozark County Sheriff’s Department. He is set for another bond hearing at 1:30 p.m. Oct. 27.  

A bond review hearing was held for Amanda Bertolozzi. The court found that Bertolozzi owes Court Probationary Services more than $600. She was taken into custody and transported to the Ozark County Jail. She is scheduled for another bond review hearing at 1:30 p.m. Oct. 27 and ordered to be screened for drug court.

Britni Dixon was taken into custody after testing positive for methamphetamine for the third time. She was ordered to serve seven day shock incarceration in the Ozark County Jail. She is scheduled to appear in court at 9 a.m. Dec. 3.

Sarah Sue Prewett appeared for a plea or trial setting. She was found to owe Court Probationary Services several hundred dollars and was taken into custody and transported to  the Ozark County Jail. She is set to appear in court at 9 a.m. Dec. 3

Scheduled for trial

Patricia Santos-Duvalier is set for jury trial in the spring of 2026. Two felony cases will be tried together. She faces 28 charges of stealing a firearm/explosive weapon/ammonium nitrate and hindering the prosecution of a felony. A pre-trial hearing will be held March 4, 2026.

Chad McKee is set for jury trial in November. Two felony cases will be tried together. He faces charges of tampering or attempt to tamper with a victim in a felony prosecution, second degree burglary, first degree assault or attempted assault with serious physical injury or a special victim, armed criminal action, unlawful use of a weapon by exhibiting the weapon and possession of a controlled substance. His pre-trial conference is scheduled for 9 a.m. Nov. 5.

Gloria Barrett is scheduled for jury trial in the spring of 2026. She is charge with possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia. Pre-trial is scheduled for 9 a.m. Jan. 7, 2026.

Continued on probation

Peyton Brady, Thomas Litty and Mark Dohrman were continued on probation.

Brian Dunaway, William Chamberlain and Daniel Teconchuk were continued on probation with the additional condition of successful completion of drug court.

Cases continued

Seven cases were continued to 1:30 p.m. Oct. 27.

Two cases were continued to 9 a.m. Nov. 5 and one case was continued to 1:30 p.m. Nov. 19.

Nine cases were continued to 9 a.m. Dec. 3 and one case was continued to 1:30 p.m. Dec. 17.