Jason Mathis
March 19, 2026
Three south central Missouri men are facing felony charges after an investigation into the reported theft and sale of cattle in Texas County, according to state authorities.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control says charges have been filed against Jerry S. Barnett, 38, of Norwood, Missouri, Justin L. Emery, 42, of Mountain Grove, Missouri, and Jared D. Mings, 44, of Mountain Grove, Missouri.
Each man is charged with one count of theft of livestock, which is a class C felony, along with each being charged with one count of stealing, a class D felony.
Investigators say the case began in September 2025 when authorities received a report of missing cattle from a rural Texas County property. The owner, who lives outside Missouri, alerted officials after discovering the animals were no longer accounted for.
According to a probable cause statement, Barnett was identified as the primary suspect during the investigation. Authorities allege he worked with Emery and Mings to sell the cattle.
Investigators say three head of cattle were sold under Mings’ name in July, followed by the sale of six additional animals under Emery’s name in August.
Following the investigation, the case was presented to the Texas County prosecutor, and a grand jury returned indictments for all three men. Arrest warrants were issued March 5.
Barnett was served with the warrant 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 March 11 in neighboring Wright County and is being held on a $2,500 bond. Emery was taken into custody March 17 in Texas County and is being held on a $3,500 bond.
Court dates have not yet been announced.
Authorities emphasized that the charges are allegations, and all three defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Officials also encouraged anyone with information about livestock theft or suspicious activity to contact the Missouri Livestock and Farm Protection Task Force, noting that such crimes can have significant financial impacts on cattle producers.