Press Release

Lewis County Sheriff's Office Theft and Drug Possession Arrest

Date: December 5, 2024 For Immediate Release

On December 3, 2024, the Lewis County Sheriff's Office responded to a theft report from a rural farm near Durham, Missouri. An alert landowner observed a suspicious pickup truck on his property and contacted law enforcement. The landowner followed the suspect, later identified as Joey L. Allensworth, age 50, of Maywood, Missouri, to the 8 & W Recycling Center in West Quincy, Missouri.

At the recycling center, deputies discovered that Allensworth was in possession of copper wire and pipe that had been stolen from the farm. He was immediately taken into custody.

After being transported to the Lewis County Jail, Allensworth admitted to possessing methamphetamine and handed over a baggie of the substance, which was taken into evidence.

On December 4, 2024, Lewis County Prosecuting Attorney Chelsea Fellinger formally charged Allensworth with one count of Possession of a Controlled Substance, a Class D Felony, one count of Stealing, a Class A Misdemeanor, and one count of Trespassing in the 2nd Degree.

A warrant for his arrest was issued by Lewis County Associate Court Judge Corey Moon, who set Allensworth's bond at $10,000.00 cash only. Allensworth remains in custody pending further legal proceedings.

The Lewis County Sheriff's Office commends the landowner for their vigilance and prompt action in reporting suspicious activity, which assisted in the arrest. We encourage all community members to remain alert and report any suspicious activity to law enforcement.

The Sheriff's Office worked in collaboration with the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Marion County Sheriff's Office & NECOMM.