Former HCSO deputy charged

A former Howell County Sheriff's Deputy has been arrested and charged with two counts of felony stealing. Brian Jackson, 38, of West Plains is accused of deliberate time-theft, allegedly overcharging his time while working for the Howell County Sheriff's Office. 

 

An Missouri State Highway Patrol investigation that began in May 2024 accuses Jackson of stealing by receiving money for time he did not actually work. 

 

Initially, Lt. Torey Thompson of the Howell County Sheriff’s Office became suspicious, and after completing an internal investigation, provided to MSHP records showing Jackson inside the station while reports submitted for pay showed he was reportedly on traffic stops. 

 

Lt. Thompson contacted some of the alleged subjects of these traffic stops and learned they had never been stopped by Jackson. One even mentioned he was in Kansas City at the time of the supposed traffic stop. 

 

Sergeant R.M. Greenan took over the investigation at the request of former Sheriff Brent Campbell. The money Jackson is accused of stealing was funded by the Hazardous Moving Violations (HMV) grant and Driving While Intoxicated-related overtime pay. 

 

Sgt. Greenan reports false reports began in January 2023 and continued though March 2024. Jackson is accused of receiving $4,120.66 from the HMV grant that he did not earn. 

 

The defendant is also accused of falsely claiming he stopped 75 vehicles for DWI-overtime work, when Sgt. Greenan believe he could have stopped 14 at most. For this falsified work, court documents say Jackson stole $1,056.36.

 

Jackson was terminated from HCSO on July 24, 2024.  He was employed by the city of Willow Springs from May 2, 2011 until July 4, 2020.

 

A grand jury returned an indictment on two counts of felony stealing $750 or more on August 13, and on August 25, the Operation Relentless Pursuit Task Force and Cabool Police Department arrested Jackson at his home. He was booked into the Howell County Jail and later released on bond.

 

Sitting Sheriff Matt Roberts announced Jackson’s arrest on August 26. 

 

“The investigation revealed that Jackson engaged in deliberate, long-term theft,” reads the statement. “Records and traffic stops were falsified, and government databases were abused to carry out this scheme. 

 

While these crimes occurred before I took office, I want to be clear: I will not tolerate this type of behavior from any employee of the Howell County Sheriff's Office. The public has every right to expect our law enforcement officers to act with honor and integrity. If any deputy under my command chooses to betray that trust, they will be held fully accountable.

 

I apologize to the citizens of Howell County for the actions of this former employee, and I remain committed to restoring and maintaining your trust in this office.”

 

Former Deputy Jackson’s first court appearance in this matter is scheduled on September 12 at 8:30 a.m. before the Honorable Steve Privette.