HOUSTON, Mo. (KY3) – The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control has charged three men in connection with a livestock theft in rural Texas County following a months-long investigation.
Jerry S. Barnett, 38, of Norwood, Justin L. Emery, 42, of Mountain Grove, and Jared D. Mings, 44, of Mountain Grove, each face one count of theft of livestock, a class C felony, and one count of stealing, a class D felony. A Texas County Grand Jury indicted all three, and each has a pending court date.
Jerry S. Barnett, 38, of Norwood, Justin L. Emery, 42, of Mountain Grove, and Jared D. Mings, 44, of Mountain Grove, each face one count of theft of livestock, a class C felony, and one count of stealing, a class D felony.(KY3)How the theft unfolded
Investigators were notified Sept. 16, 2025, of a possible livestock theft in rural Texas County. The out-of-state owner of the cattle reported the animals stolen.
The investigation connected Barnett to the theft and revealed that he enlisted Emery and Mings to sell the cattle under their names. Investigators say Mings sold three head of cattle on July 16, 2025. Investigators say Emery sold six additional head of cattle on Aug. 27, 2025.
Arrests
On March 5, a Texas County grand jury issued warrants for all three men.
Barnett was served notice of the warrant on March 9 while already in custody at the Texas County Jail on unrelated charges. He is being held on a $3,000 bond.
Mings was arrested on March 11 in Wright County by Rural Crimes Investigation Unit investigators and Operation Relentless Pursuit officers. He was transported to the Wright County Jail and is being held on a $2,500 bond.
Emery was arrested on March 17 in Texas County by ORP and RCIU investigators. He was transported to the Texas County Jail and is being held on a $3,500 bond.
Report livestock theft
Anyone with information about livestock theft can contact the Missouri Livestock and Farm Protection Task Force at 888-484-8477.
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