Ozark County man sentenced in two cases

During a sentencing hearing on Aug. 5, the defense attorney for Michael L. Jones argued that his client had significantly changed in the two years since he was initially arrested.

Jones had entered an open guilty plea on April 8 in Ozark County Circuit Court on charges of unlawful possession of a firearm and possession of a controlled substance. When he entered the open plea with no plea agreement, Jones agreed to accept the court’s decision on his punishment. At that time, he also requested a sentence advisory report.

During the hearing, Jones’ attorney Jason Coatney acknowledged that his client had a long criminal history. 

“But he has been completely sober since 2024 when he was charged,” Coatney told Judge Craig Carter. “He’s already changed his conduct. I do believe Mr. Jones has genuinely tired of this lifestyle and he wants to prove it.

“The attitude shift is genuine and I respectfully suggest a community-based assistance because he has done well.”

At that point, Jones asked to speak directly to the judge.

“Sir, I know I’ve had a bad reputation when I committed my crimes but my life has changed,” he said as he gestured to his girlfriend and other supportive friends located in the courtroom. “I have the best life ever, and I don’t see myself sliding back. Even Lt. [Matt] Rhoades has commented [on the change].

“I just need a chance, sir. That’s all I’m asking for.”

However, Ozark County Prosecuting Attorney Lee Pipkins disagreed. “The state feels [Mr. Jones] needs to have some kind of punishment. There needs to be some kind of confinement.”

Judge Carter agreed with Pipkins and offered Jones a choice of punishment: 2 years straight time in the Missouri Department of Corrections or a 120-day treatment program with a 2 years back up sentence.

After discussing the matter with his attorney, Jones chose the option with the treatment program on both charges. The sentences will run concurrent.

Jones was initially charged in March 2023, with possession of a controlled substance. According to the filed probable cause statement by Ozark County Deputy Josh Sherman, on March 6, 2023, the Multi-Jurisdictional Task Force executed a residential search warrant at a Tecumseh residence. At the time the search warrant was executed, Michael Jones and three others were immediately taken into custody.

“After securing all four subjects and taking them into custody, they were escorted out of the residence,” Sherman wrote. “Jones said he did not live at the residence but had been staying there temporarily” staying in the middle back bedroom.

Sherman wrote that used syringes and a spoon containing a substance that lab tested as methamphetamine were found in Jones’ room.

The second charge is connected with another search warrant executed on March 22, 2024.

At that time, Ozark County Deputy Gannan Moss and two other deputies served a search warrant on Jones at his Isabella residence. While serving the warrant, Jones was discovered in his bedroom where he claimed he was asleep. 

Moss wrote that Jones was advised of his arrest warrant and arrest. While escorting Jones out of his residence, Moss noticed a firearm hanging on the wall, near the middle of the residence. After closer inspection, the officer noted it to be a Marlin model 60 .22 cal rifle, that it was loaded with 22 rounds and readily available to Jones.

Because Jones was a convicted felon, he was not legally allowed to have a firearm in his possession. The rifle was seized at that time.