Rural Crimes Unit assists sheriffs in solving farm-related crimes

SIKESTON, Mo. -- Since Sgt. Brenda Cone became the investigator for the new Rural Crimes Unit in Southeast Missouri seven months ago, she's been shocked by the volume of agricultural crimes in her area.

"I had no idea how frequently crimes are committed against farmers," she said. "I had no idea how demanding the job was going to be when I started in April -- I am busy every day, but I'm really pleased with how it's turned out."

Cone's position came about thanks to a $3.4 million grant put in place in August 2009. Her main job is to assist law enforcement agencies in investigating rural crimes.

"If a detective or deputy gets a call of, for instance, cattle theft, they can call me and I'll assist with the investigation," said Cone. As her position is a branch of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, she is able to use resources sheriffs' departments may not be able to access, she said.

There are 12 types of rural crimes that Cone can investigate: livestock theft, equipment theft, grain theft, metal theft, fuel theft, chemical theft, timber theft, animal cruelty, burglaries, arson, fraud and property damage. Any of these crimes must be committed in the farming community or to persons or businesses that affect the farming community.

"So far, I've worked every single one of those crimes," said Cone.

For instance, a fertilizer theft case in Scott County netted a federal indictment last week, with the suspect now in federal custody. She's also worked cases of copper theft from center irrigation pivots, and several animal abuse investigations -- one in Bollinger County which led to the Humane Society taking two horses, a goat and 20 dogs into custody.

Cone said while she doesn't have an agricultural background, she's gained a lot of knowledge in the past seven months.

"It's really exciting for me," she said. "I've learned a lot along the way, and I'm sure there is a lot more for me to learn."

One of the neat things about the job, said Cone, is that she gets to provide backup for other law enforcement agencies during her investigations.

"The sheriff's department gets another employee that they don't have to pay for," she said. "I'm here just to assist them in the investigations in any way possible."

Additionally, grant funds allow overtime hours incurred by deputies investigating rural crime to be reimbursed to the departments, she noted.

Cone's coverage area encompasses the same 13 counties in the Missouri State Highway Patrol's Troop E. Of those, she said Scott, Cape Girardeau, and Bollinger counties call her the most for help.

"This is jut another tool we're able to use," said Rick Walter, Scott County sheriff. "Since we're a rural county, we work a lot of rural crimes, and she's another investigator that doesn't come out of my budget."

Walter pointed out that he and others in law enforcement have had a long-standing relationship with Cone. A trooper for 20 years, she spent the last 15 working with the SEMO Drug Task Force.

"She's a really good investigator, and we work well together," said Walter.

He, too, said that the resources available to Cone are beneficial.

"She can put the information into a system that goes across the state," he said. "So this really helps us to work with all of those other agencies."

Walter said he not only encourages members of the public to call in tips if they suspect any rural crimes, he also urges others in law enforcement to utilize the services.

"It's to their advantage," he said. "It's our tax dollar, so let's take advantage of it and use it. It's free help, as far as our budgets are concerned."

Cone offered several tips for how farmers and other community members can help deter or solve these crimes.

"I think the big thing is to pay a little closer attention to your animals or equipment," she said. "It seems like a lot of times farmers will put their equipment up for the winter and then forget about it. Make sure there isn't a key in it and it's not in an easily accessible place."

Cone also suggested farmers lock up any chemicals or fertilizer.

"And if you notice something is missing, report it immediately," she said.

It's also important to help others, said Cone.

"If you see a trailer being pulled at 3 a.m. with cattle in it, it's pretty likely that would be a suspicious incident," she said.

To report a rural crime call the hotline: 888-484-8477 or Troop Headquarters at 573-840-9500.