Federal prosecutors say an Arkansas man is accused of stealing from more than 20 schools and businesses across Missouri and Iowa — including one the immediate area.
According to a federal indictment filed in St. Louis this week, 40-year-old Curtis Lee Barton is charged with alleged conspiracy and transporting stolen property across state lines. Investigators say Barton and a co-conspirator stole at least $50,000 between May of 2023 and April of this year.
One of the largest thefts listed in the indictment happened close to home — on April 22nd, about $13,000 was taken from a school in Brookfield. Other schools hit included those in Lewistown, Shelbyville, and Adair County. Officials say some of the stolen money had been set aside for Special Olympics and for children in need.
Court documents allege Barton carefully researched both schools and law enforcement offices before breaking in overnight to avoid being caught.