Reward offered in tool theft; Operation Saturation successful

The Sheriff's office has been tracking the areas of Bates county that have had a high theft rate or calls for service. In an attempt to begin reducing the crime rates in the targeted areas, the Sheriff's Office began Operation Saturation.

Operation Saturation brings extra deputies on duty to saturate the target areas. Deputies enforce traffic laws, perform drivers license check points and make investigative stops to show a strong law enforcement presence in the area. Law Enforcement presence is the first line defense for citizens against the would be criminal. Operation Saturation resulted in 56 traffic stops 55 warnings and one arrest for driving while revoked. The check point resulted in 75 license checks. Sheriff Anderson says, "I would like to thank those citizens that was contacted throughout the two days for their cooperation, many citizens thanked us for being in their neighborhoods." Operation Saturation was made possible without costing any overtime by adjusting the deputies schedules. With the success of the first Operation Saturation the Sheriff's Office states there will be more to follow.

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The Sheriff's Office would like to offer a reward for information leading to the arrest of the people responsible for the theft of construction tools and scrap metal that occurred on or about October 10, 2011 In the Ballad/Urich area. The loss that was suffered by the victim will surpass $20,000.

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On Tuesday October 11, 2011 The Bates County Sheriff's Office and the Rich Hill Police Department served a search warrant at. 920 E. Vine in Rich Hill Mo. Six subjects were taken into custody and one juvenile was released to family members. Rosalee Smith was charged with three counts of distribution of narcotics. Her bond was set at $60,000.00 cash or surety. She remains in custody at the Bates County Sheriff's Office.