Woman faces stalking charges, violation of full ex parte order

Van Buren resident, Diane Amanda Carter, born in 1958, faces charges of stalking and violation of an order of protection after allegedly showing up at her sister’s Tecumseh home.

According to a probable cause statement filed by Ozark County Sheriff’s Deputy Josh Sherman, he and Ozark County Deputy Hunter Ryan responded to a reported violation of an adult ex parte order of protection on Aug. 30. The full order of protection was effective on Aug. 26 and the sister was prohibited from being at the Tecumseh address.

Sherman wrote that the officers met with the victim who reported that Carter had been at the residence earlier in the day when the victim and her parents were not there. Carter was gone by the time her sister and parents returned home. Sherman noted that both parties had been granted a civil standby in order for Carter to retrieve her belongings from the home. However, neither women participated in the standby and Carter had not retrieved her things.

“During our conversation with the [victim], the victim identified her sister Carter’s vehicle...approaching the residence...” wrote Sherman. “The vehicle turned into [the driveway] and stopped near our patrol vehicles. I immediately recognized Carter from prior contacts. She was not wearing a seat belt while operating the vehicle, a violation noted during the encounter. Carter stated she was at the residence to collect belongings and intended to leave permanently.”

Sherman said he advised Carter of the ex parte violation and non-compliance to the judge’s orders for a civil standby. He then arrested her for the violation and stalking.

According to the probable cause statement, Carter admitted she was aware of the ex parte and judge’s orders. She also said she had filed an ex parte order against her sister in another county. She said based on guidance from that judge and private counsel, she believed she was permitted to go to the prohibited address to collect her belongings.