Crawford County Sheriff Office Criminal Investigation Division

02/03/2026

Today is National Missing Persons Day, a time to recognize and remember those who are missing and to stand with the families and loved ones who continue to search for answers.

If you have information about a missing person, please contact the tip line at 573-775-2825. Even the smallest detail could help bring someone home. Sharing information, staying alert, and reporting tips can make a difference.

Awareness matters.

Patrick J. Pegg Jr. — Male, White, missing since July 2000.

Donna Kaye Lagermann — Female, White, missing since May 2001.

Robert Lee Brand — Male, White, missing since January 2020.

Christopher M. George — Male, White, missing since May 2020.

01/20/2026

A Crawford County man admitted grooming and engaging in illegal s*xual contact with a minor. Nathaniel Rod Gibson, 34, gave the victim a phone and groomed her via more than 18,996 text messages within 6 months. He drove the victim from Missouri to a campground in Arkansas, where he engaged in an illegal s*x act with her. He also did so at his home in Crawford County.

Investigated by the Crawford County Sheriff's Office, Missouri, Diamond City (Arkansas) Police Department and St. Louis. Prosecuted by U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Missouri.

https://ow.ly/zLqV50XX15P

03/03/2025

‼️UPDATE‼️

Thank you to everyone who reached out with information, Brookelyn has been found safe. The outpouring of support and sharing of information was crucial in locating Brookelyn.

🚨 MISSING JUVENILE ALERT 🚨

The Crawford County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help in locating a missing juvenile.

🔹 Name: Brookelyn Gudmundson
🔹 Age: 16
🔹 Description: 5’ 6”, 130 lbs., brown hair with blonde highlights and a gold nose ring.
🔹 Last Seen: 03/02/2025 around 6:00 pm in West Sullivan
🔹 Last Wearing: Dark Hoodie, dark pants, and a yellow backpack.
🔹 Possible Whereabouts: Sullivan, Gerald, or possibly enroute to Illinois.

We urge anyone with information on Brookelyn’s whereabouts to contact the Crawford County Central Communications at 573-775-4911 or call 911.

Please share this post to help bring Brookelyn home safely!

12/16/2022

The Crawford County Sheriff's Office is accepting applications for the position of Detective for our Criminal Investigations Division. The responsibilities include collecting and analyzing evidence, interviewing skills, making prosecutable arrests, preparing and building cases, and detail oriented reporting. Strong skills in communication, report writing, attention to detail, ability to testify, and knowledge of search warrants and investigative subpoenas required.

This is a full time position that would require flexibility in hours worked. Starting Detective salary starts at $44,000, however experience, training, and education will be considered in starting pay.

*Retirement Benefits
*Medical insurance
*Paid time off
*Dental insurance
*Vision insurance
*Overtime opportunities are available.

Call 573-775-2125 to speak with Lt. Eric Wilbanks for more information.

Applications with resume will be accepted until close of business December 31, 2022.

***********A paper application is required for consideration and located in the photos section of our page.***********

The Crawford County Sheriff’s Office is an equal opportunity employer.
Come see us at 212 S 3rd St, Steelville, MO 65565

07/02/2021

04/13/2021

The Crawford County Sheriff’s Office is looking for information on the driver and/or owner of a white Mazda pickup truck who was cutting firewood near the Crooked Creek Conservation area on Highway VV between the approximate dates of March 16-March 26. Anyone with information can contact our office at 573-775-2125 or dispatch at 573-775-4911. Request to speak with the Investigations Division.

The public’s assistance in this is greatly appreciated.

03/18/2021

**Subject has been located. If anyone has any information on this investigation please contact the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office at 573-775-4911**

The Crawford County Sheriff's Office - Criminal Investigation Division is requesting the assistance of the public in locating a missing person, Mark A. Palmer, of Steelville, Missouri. Palmer is described as a 40-year-old white male. He is 5'7" tall and weighs approximately 165 pounds.

Palmer was last seen at his residence, located in Steelville, at approximately 3:30 am on March 17, 2021.

Anyone with information related to Palmer's location is encouraged to contact Detective Lunyou at 573-775-4911.

The attached photograph of Palmer is from approximately one month ago.

11/28/2020

Crawford County Sheriff’s Office
Press Release
November 27, 2020

In the evening hours of November 26, 2020, deputies responded to the area of Hwy H in Leasburg for a report of a gunshot victim. It was reported to the deputies by three victims, that they had been traveling on Old Leasburg Rd., when their vehicle was struck by gunfire. One victim received an injury as a result of the bullet grazing his head, and a juvenile was also injured from the broken glass. Those victims later responded to the hospital for treatment. Based on the information and location provided, detectives and deputies responded to a residence in the 1700 block of Old Leasburg Rd., and made contact with the residents. Upon interview, a suspect was determined and he was taken into custody. That suspect was transported to the Crawford County Sheriff's Office for further interview by a detective. During that interview the suspect admitted to firing several shots at the victim's vehicle and that he had been using controlled substances. The suspect was placed on a 24 hour hold in the Crawford County Adult Detention Center.

On November 27, 2020 charges were filed in this incident for Michael Watring, 41, of Leasburg. Watring was issued a 9 count warrant from the Associate Circuit Court of Crawford County. The charges are listed below:
1 count of Assault in the First Degree, Class A Felony
2 counts of Assault in the First Degree, Class B Felonies
3 counts of Armed Criminal Action, Unclassified Felonies
1 count of Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Class A Felony
1 count of Unlawful Possession of a Concealable Firearm, Class A Felony
1 count of Endangering the Welfare of a Child in the First Degree, Class D Felony

There was no bond set for the above charges, and the suspect will remain in custody.

The suspect is presumed innocent of all charges until proven guilty in a court of competent jurisdiction.

Sheriff Darin J. Layman
Crawford County Sheriff’s Office

09/01/2020