Area football coach gets more criminal charges

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- A warrant was issued Tuesday charging the former head coach of the Poplar Bluff Mules football team with breaking into the home of his former girlfriend in hopes of reconciling with her.

Michael "Shane" Kearbey, 38, of the 5500 block of U.S. 67 was charged with first-degree burglary by Butler County Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Paul Oesterreicher.

After considering the complaint and probable cause statement filed with the court, Associate Circuit Judge John Bloodworth issued a warrant for Kearbey's arrest and set his bond at $100,000 cash or surety.

At the request of Butler County Prosecuting Attorney Kevin Barbour, Bloodworth ordered Kearbey to have "absolutely no offensive contact with the victim" as a condition of the bond.

Kearbey had not been arrested by press time.

The complaint on file with the court alleges on Monday, Kearbey "knowingly entered unlawfully in an inhabitable structure," located in the 2600 block of West Avondale and possessed by Stefanie Brumitt, for the "purpose of committing the crime of harassment …"

The charge stems from an investigation by the Poplar Bluff Police Department.

Kearbey and Brumitt, according to Lt. Dave Sutton's probable cause statement, dated for "some time. Throughout the course of their relationship, Kearbey spent time at her residence," but he never established residency there.

Brumitt reported she ended the relationship Thursday.

"Kearbey continued to pursue Stefanie Brumitt, and he threatened to damage her career as an educator at the Poplar Bluff High School if she did not reconcile their relationship," Sutton said. "Kearbey tried repeatedly to convince Stefanie Brumitt to meet him privately to discuss their relationship.

"She refused, telling him that she would not meet him alone."

Further, Sutton said, Brumitt told Kearbey her 7-year-old son was at her residence.

"She specifically said that he (Kearbey) could not come to the residence until after he (her son) left," Sutton said. "She told Kearbey this would be around" 6 p.m.

At about 12:50 p.m. Monday, Kearbey allegedly arrived at Brumitt's Avondale home.

"Kearbey tried to enter the residence, but found the exterior doors locked," Sutton said.

Kearbey apparently forcibly entered the residence through two locked doors, an exterior door to the garage and a door between the garage and living area, Sutton said.

"When Stefanie Brumitt heard Kearbey enter the residence, she closed the door to the room in which (her son) was, and she ran into the hall," Sutton said. "Stefanie Brumitt met Kearbey as he climbed the stairs carrying a large, fixed-blade knife."

Brumitt reported she told Kearbey her son was home and to put the knife down.

"Kearbey put the knife down on the kitchen table, then began removing property from the residence," including a computer and video game console, which belonged to him, and items he had purchased for the household during the relationship, Sutton said.

"Stefanie Brumitt's family arrived at (the residence)," Sutton said. "They threatened to call the police, and Kearbey left the scene."

The alleged incident took place 10 days after Kearbey was charged with felony stealing. He is accused of stealing nearly $1,200 from a fundraising account for the Mules football program.

Kearbey was set to appear at 9 a.m. today before Bloodworth for arraignment on the charge; however, his attorney, Danny Moore, filed a motion for continuance, requesting his arraignment be moved to 1 p.m. today.

Kearbey resigned as head football coach Nov. 1. His resignation stemmed from an incident at school involving a student for which the school placed him on administrative leave two days before the final football game of the season.

Pertinent address:

Poplar Bluff, MO