On Jan. 13, Dophes Eugene “Gene” Barton, 47, of Alton, was arrested for receipt of stolen property. Barton’s arrest came as the result of a lengthy investigation conducted by the Oregon County Sheriff’s Department, the Rural Crimes Task Force of the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control, and the Southeast Missouri Drug Task Force.
Numerous items were recovered from more than 10 local burglaries. The items are valued at more than $15,000. Barton is being held at the West Plains Police Department pending formal arraignment on the Oregon County charges. The investigation continues.
The charges for which Barton was arrested are mere accusations and are not evidence of guilt. Evidence in support of the charges must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
