The alleged theft of a gun led an Ozark County deputy to make a call to the U.S. Secret Service after investigation uncovered a threat to assassinate President Donald Trump.
Johnetta W.J. Parsons, 42, of Thornfield, is charged with one count of stealing a firearm following an incident that began in December. A Class D felony in Missouri carries a punishment of one to seven years in prison, a fine of up to $10,000, or both.
The victim reported the theft of a 9 mm pistol on Dec. 8, naming Parsons as a suspect. According to court records, the firearm was entered into law enforcement databases as stolen. On Jan. 3, Ozark County Deputy Matthew Rhoades was informed that Parsons was at a Greyhound bus station in St. Louis and had sent text messages threatening to travel by bus and use the stolen pistol to kill Trump.
Parsons allegedly sent several text messages claiming she had the gun in her possession, but later texted that a friend was holding it while repeating her threat to kill Trump.
According to Rhoades’ investigation, the Columbia Police Department recovered the firearm about three hours before Rhoades learned of Parsons’ whereabouts. Two people had turned the gun in at the Columbia police station, stating they had dropped Parsons off in St. Louis and found the firearm among the belongings she left in their vehicle.
Rhoades contacted the Secret Service field office in Chicago to report the details of Parsons’ plan. Officials told him they would forward the message to an agent for further action.
According to the investigation, Parsons returned to the victim’s home in Thornfield about 24 hours after the gun was recovered and again expressed her intention to kill the president. Evidence in the case includes screenshots of the text conversations .
Ozark County Prosecuting Attorney Curtis Pipkins noted in his complaint that Parsons has been convicted of felony stealing twice before, in 2008 and 2009.
Parsons is represented by Public Defender Chase Opolka of Ava. She was released on her own recognizance on the condition she report to court probation services weekly for drug and alcohol screening. She is also to reside with a relative and remains restricted to the home except for employment, legal or medical purposes.
Her arraignment is scheduled for Sept. 9 before Associate 44th Circuit Judge R. Craig Carter, according to court records.
