Sentencing, probation, cases continued during the Ozark County law day

Sentencing for convicted child molester John Reed was given out during the Jan. 7, 2026, session of Ozark County Circuit Court (see above). After hearing several victims’ statements, Reed was sentenced to 15 years in the Missouri Department of Corrections after the court had accepted his guilty plea to reduced charges Oct. 8, 2025.

James Bliss admitted a probation violation by failing to complete Ozark County Drug Court. 

During the hearing, Bliss’s attorney Public Defender Chase Opolka asked that his client be sent to a sober living facility. “He wants to show the court he can take this seriously,” said Opolka. “I believe it is too early in his probation to send him to serve a 120 [day sentence].”

However, Ozark County Prosecuting attorney Lee Pipkins disagreed. “I think there has to be some consequences.”

“My client has suffered consequences,” Opolka responded. “He’s been in custody for 90 days.”

Bliss had his probation revoked, and was sent to the MDoC to serve 120 days. He will again be considered for Drug Court after his return.

James Matthew Colston, the attorney for Brandon Mills, asked for his client to be relieved of supervision by Court Probationary Services. “The cost is exorbitant CPS [drug] testing,” he told the court. “[My client] pays $60 a month.”

“He’s only tested twice,” a CPS officer said.

Mills told Judge Carter that he works odd jobs for several people in the Pontiac area.

Pipkins opposed taking Mills off CPS supervision.

Judge Carter overruled Colston’s motion. “Paying $60 bucks a month isn’t too much to stay out of jail,” he said to Colston and Mills.

Mills is scheduled to appear before the court at 9 a.m. May 6.

Michael Turner was discharged from probation.

Melvin Campbell and David D. Havens were continued on probation.

Cases continued

Four cases were continued to Jan. 22.

Eleven cases were continued to Feb. 4 and 18 to Feb. 19.

Seven cases were continued to March 4 and five to March 18.

One case was continued to April 8 and one case was continued to May 6.