News – Monday, December 1st 2025

On Wednesday, Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway announced that her Office, appointed by Judge Privette as special prosecutor, has filed criminal charges in Shannon County against three members of the Shannon County Sheriff’s Office: Deputy Thomas R. Manning, former sheriff’s deputy John D. “J.D.” Melvin, and Captain Michael G. McCoy, following allegations of abuse and exploitation committed under the guise of law enforcement authority. The alleged conduct occurred between January 1st and July 29th this year while the individuals were acting in their official capacities as law enforcement officers. The Missouri State Highway Patrol conducted an investigation. The allegations outline repeated instances in which women stopped during traffic encounters were subjected to inappropriate touching and degrading sexual comments. The charging documents further allege that McCoy and Melvin engaged in forgery involving official court documents, including the alleged falsification or transfer of a probable cause statement intended to influence judicial proceedings. Deputy Thomas R. Manning faces seven counts of Sexual Misconduct in the Course of Public Duty, two counts of 1st degree Sexual Abuse, three counts of Harassment 1st degree, and one count of Sodomy or Attempted Sodomy 1st degree. His bond has been set at $50,000. Captain Michael G. McCoy has been charged with one count of Sexual Misconduct in the Course of Public Duty and one count of Forgery, with bond set at $15,000. Former Deputy John D. “J.D.” Melvin has been charged with one count of Forgery, and his bond has also been set at $15,000. Hanaway states the people of Shannon County deserve justice and accountability and her office will pursue the truth and ensure that anyone who abuses their position is held responsible. The Attorney General’s Office emphasizes that law enforcement is a high calling, one that requires integrity, restraint, and compassion. The Attorney General reminds the public that the charges against the defendants are merely allegations. As in all criminal cases, the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

An accident happened in Maries County Tuesday evening at 11:35 on Highway 63 about a half mile south of Route P that left a man from Licking with serious injuries. According to the highway patrol report, a 60-year-old man from Licking was driving a 2005 Ford Escape northbound when he failed to negotiate a curve and traveled off the right side of the road. The Ford Escape then overturned. The man was taken by Air Evac to the University of Missouri Hospital in Columbia. He was wearing a seat restraint at the time of the accident. The Ford Escape was totaled and removed by Ron Dishman’s Towing. The highway patrol was assisted by the Maries County Sheriff’s Department, St. James Ambulance District and Vichy Volunteer Fire Department.

Quick reminder, entry forms for the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce Parade of Lights are due today at noon. For more info call 573-729-6900.