Cooper County Sheriff's Office

04/22/2026

Press Release

Pilot Grove, MO, Man Arrested/Charged For Trafficking Drugs In Cooper County

On April 20, 2026, at approximately 5:30 pm, the Cooper County Sheriff’s Office, Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control (DDCC), and members of the East Central Drug Task Force / Mid Missouri Drug Taskforce, executed a search warrant at a residence in Pilot Grove, MO. The warrant was issued after members of The Missouri State Highway Patrol (DDCC) and Cooper County Sheriff’s Office obtained information that a male at the residence was associated with illicit drug trafficking within Cooper County.

Upon law enforcement’s arrival, the male was located at the residence and detained while troopers and deputies executed the search warrant. Narcotics officers located approximately 59 grams of crystal methamphetamine inside the residence. The male was taken into custody and transported to the Cooper County Detention Center and placed on a 24-hour investigative hold. At the conclusion of the search warrant, members of DDCC forwarded a probable cause statement to the Cooper County Prosecuting Attorney seeking felony charges.

On April 21, 2026, the Cooper County Prosecuting Attorney formally charged Kristopher Harvey, 50, Pilot Grove, with one count of Trafficking Drugs - 2nd Degree. He is currently being held at the Cooper County Jail on $75,000.00 bond.

The above charge for which the above individual was arrested is a mere accusation and not evidence of guilt. Evidence in support of this charge must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.

I want to say "Thank You" to all the deputies and officers involved in this incident. They continue to show the dedication and drive to make sure that our community is a safe and great place to live!

Chris Class

Sheriff, Cooper County

04/21/2026

Scam Alert!!

We are receiving several phone calls stating that a person who is identifying themselves with the Cooper County Sheriff's Office is calling and advising that person(s) had missed federal jury duty and they are demanding money or else a warrant will be issued for their arrest. This is a scam!!!! The Sheriff's Office would never call you and ask for money!! If you get any of these calls or any messages similar in nature, please disregard them or have them call us!! As always, if you have any questions or concerns about a phone call or text you receive, please call us before you do anything!!

Sheriff Class

04/13/2026

04/10/2026

On the evening of 4/9/2026, our office received a call from a citizen in regard to an injured Bald Eagle near the intersection of Hwy 5 and Hwy F. Deputies responded to the area and was able to locate the Bald Eagle. Deputies were able to safely secure the injured Bald Eagle, which had a broken wing. Raptor Rehab was contacted and came to the scene to take possession of the injured Bald Eagle so it could get the medical treatment it needed and hopefully released back into our community. Great work Deputy Sutherland and Deputy Huntsperger!!

04/02/2026

The Cooper County Sheriff’s Office Officially Receives Missouri Blue Shield Designation

Cooper County, Missouri – The Cooper County Sheriff’s Office received official word from the Missouri Department of Public Safety that we have earned the Missouri Blue Shield designation for 2026. This honor recognizes Missouri communities that demonstrate their commitment to enhancing public safety, investing in and supporting law enforcement and building partnerships between law enforcement and our community.
The Missouri Blue Shield Program was created by Governor Kehoe in January 2025 through Executive Order 25-03. In 2025, 201 Missouri communities earned the Blue Shield designation, recognizing local governments’ significant efforts to reduce crime and foster law enforcement – community partnerships to strengthen public safety. The opportunity to earn the Blue Shield designation for 2026 opened on February 4, 2026. Communities that earned the Blue Shield designation in 2025 had to reapply this year to be approved once again.

“The Blue Shield program has shown what’s possible when communities commit to prioritizing law enforcement and public safety,” Governor Kehoe said. “After awarding $50,000 grants to more than 200 communities last year, we’re continuing that work by welcoming new communities and renewing Blue Shield designations for counties, towns, and cities that remain committed to the program.”

“Strengthening public safety and committing to joint law enforcement community – citizen safety efforts is what the Blue Shield Program is all about and the Department of Public Safety is honored to work with communities like Cooper County, that have answered the Blue Shield challenge,” said Mark James, Director of the Missouri Department of Public Safety (DPS). “Last year, the essential equipment provided by Blue Shield grants included 388 mobile data terminals, 351 body cameras, 151 license plate readers (LPR), 102 ballistic vests, 91 interoperable radios and 56 vehicles. We look forward to getting additional important equipment and training to our partners in local law enforcement.”

Presiding Commissioner George Monk commented “With the leadership of Sheriff Chris Class and the efforts of our dedicated deputies, Cooper County has earned a Missouri Blue Shield designation because of its exceptional commitment to public safety. Through specific initiatives from application, such as officer recruitment efforts, major law enforcement funding, partnerships with community stakeholders, the community has demonstrated a strong and ongoing commitment to protecting its residents. This designation affirms Cooper County’s Law Enforcement efforts to create a safer, more secure environment for all who live and work here.”

“It is a great honor to receive the Missouri Blue Shield Designation made possible by Governor Mike Kehoe. Without the hard work and dedication from the men and women of the Cooper County Sheriff’s Office that serve this great county, along with the support of the Cooper County Commission and our citizens, we would have never been able to accomplish this milestone. This designation shows our unwavering commitment to our citizens and our county to make our community safe and a great place to be!” Sheriff Chris Class

Eligibility and Program Details
Communities are eligible for a Missouri Blue Shield designation based on their dedication to reducing crime, making substantial investments in public safety, and developing strong collaboration with law enforcement agencies and community stakeholders. Each participating community’s commitment is reviewed annually to ensure continued alignment with the program’s goals.

Participation Incentives
Communities that earn a Missouri Blue Shield designation will receive grant funding for law enforcement training and equipment as part of Governor Kehoe’s Recommended Budget for the State Fiscal Year 2027, provided the General Assembly approves the funding. The Governor’s FY 2027 budget appropriated $10 million to the program for equipment and training grants. Communities will also be featured on Governor Kehoe’s social media pages as well as the DPS website to highlight their participation in the program. A map of 2025 Blue Shield communities is available here.

About the Cooper County Sheriff’s Office
Cooper County earned a Missouri Blue Shield designation because of its exceptional commitment to public safety. Through partnering with local stakeholders, demonstrating innovative programs that attempt to reduce crime, the willingness to participate in regional anti-crime task forces, and the Sheriff’s Office commitment to proactive policing practices, the community has demonstrated a strong and ongoing commitment to protecting its residents. This designation affirms the Cooper County Sheriff’s Office’s effort to create a safer, more secure environment for all who live and work here.

03/27/2026

Press Release

In March of 2026, because of a multi-year investigation, the Cooper County Sheriff's Office conducted a search warrant in the 11000 block of Hidden Valley Court at the "Mercy and Truth-Amish and Mennonite Retreat."

The retreat was under the control of one individual who took advantage of his position in the Amish Community to control, manipulate, coerce, and force vulnerable people for his own profit in different forms. During the search warrant, information and evidence was collected by deputies reference to this investigation.

On 03/25/2026, the Cooper County Prosecuting Attorney's Office requested formal charges, and an arrest warrant was issued for the suspect. Cooper County deputies arrived at the retreat and arrested:

Sam B. Shetler (42) of Boonville on the following charges:

1. Trafficking for the purposes of slavery/involuntary servitude/or forced labor
2. Trafficking for the purposes of slavery/involuntary servitude/or forced labor
3. So**my or Attempted So**my – 1st Degree

His bond was set at $100,000 cash or surety per the Court. All parties are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a Court of Law.

The Cooper County Sheriff's Office has interviewed dozens of witnesses and victims and has reason to believe there are more witnesses and victims involved. If you have any information regarding this investigation, please contact the Cooper County Sheriff's Office at: 660-882-2771.

Chris Class, Sheriff

02/20/2026

PRESS RELEASE

On 1/17/2026, Cooper County Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched to a residence on Route J near Bunceton for a delayed residential burglary. Entry had been forced into the residence, and numerous items were stolen to include fi****ms, collectible items, and food. Additional patrols of this property were done, and another believed burglary of this property was found on 1/27/2026 by deputies.
On 1/31/2026, Cooper County Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched to a residence on Highway 5 for a delayed residential burglary. Entry had been forced into the residence, and items were stolen, including collectible items and antiques. Deputies were able to obtain evidence at the scene of this burglary indicating it was related to the previous burglaries on Route J. During these investigations, a vehicle of interest was learned about and sought.
On 2/7/2026, a citizen contacted the Sheriff’s Office advising they believed they had observed the vehicle in these cases traveling on Old Concord Drive in the unincorporated Bunceton area. Cooper County Sheriff’s Office deputies and Missouri State Highway Patrol troopers responded to the area. A trooper located the vehicle on Highway 5 and conducted a traffic stop. Deputies responded to assist, and determined this vehicle was the vehicle of interest in these cases. Deputies observed an item in the bed of the truck which had been stolen during one of the burglaries on Route J. The vehicle was seized pending a search warrant. The driver of the vehicle was arrested at the scene and transported to the Cooper County Detention Center where he was placed on a 24-hour hold. The Cooper County Sheriff’s Office applied for, was granted, and executed a search warrant to examine the contents of the vehicle. Inside the vehicle, deputies located suspected narcotics, and additional evidence linking the suspect and the vehicle to the burglaries on Route J and Highway 5. A probable cause statement for the suspect was submitted to the Cooper County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.
On 2/8/2026 the Cooper County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office filed formal charges, and an arrest warrant was issued for the suspect, identified as Dustin McClellan, 39, Eldon, Missouri charging him with:
- (2) counts Burglary 2nd Degree
-Possession of Controlled Substance
Bond: $25,000.00 cash or surety
McClellan has since posted a bond and has been released from the Cooper County Detention Center.

On 2/9/2026, an additional search warrant was granted to examine the contents of an electronic device belonging to McClellan. While executing the search warrant on the device, deputies located evidence linking McClellan to additional burglaries in Cooper County.
With information obtained through additional investigation of these incidents, an amended probable cause statement was submitted to the Cooper County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office seeking additional criminal charges.
On 2/20/2026, the Cooper County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office filed an amended felony complaint, and McClellan has now been charged with the following;
- (5) counts Burglary 2nd Degree
-Possession of Controlled Substance
These incidents are still under investigation. All parties are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a Court of Law.

Sheriff Chris Class

11/24/2025

Press Release

On 11/21/2025 The Cooper County Sheriff's Office, along with members of the Boone County Cyber Crimes Unit, the Boonville Police Department, and the Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), conducted a Counter Child Exploitation Operation in the Boonville area.

During the Operation, suspects responded to a post on a known sexual services website, communicating with who they believe was a juvenile female.

Two suspects committed to meeting who they believed was a juvenile female in person and traveled a distance to Boonville to meet. The suspects were taken into custody without incident and transported to the Cooper County Detention Center and held on 24-hour holds pending formal charges.

On 11/22/2025, The Cooper County Prosecuting Attorney's Office filed formal charges and warrants were issued on:

Jaren L. Shropshire (36) of Ashland, Missouri for:
-Enticement or Attempted Enticement of a Child (Actor 21 years of age or older and child less than 17 years of age)
-Possession of a Controlled Substance
-Driving While Revoked/Suspended 1st Offense
Bond: $100,000 cash/surety

Andrew R. Newton (44) of Columbia, Missouri for:
-Enticement or Attempted Enticement of a Child (Actor 21 years of age or older and child less than 17 years of age)
Bond: $100,000 cash/surety

All parties are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

The Cooper County Sheriff's Office and our partner agencies are committed to the safety and security of our children and will continue to proactively intercept individuals seeking sexual online and in-person engagement with underage children.

Chris Class, Sheriff