Rural Justice Report

Tracking Local Crime and Court Cases

This is a Crime Page dedicated to keeping our community informed about court cases and legal matters occurring in Cedar County and the surrounding areas. As residents of rural America, it is essential to stay aware of the issues affecting our neighborhoods. Knowledge fosters safety and community engagement.

Through this platform, we aim to illuminate local legal proceedings and empower our readers to stay informed. Please remember that all individuals charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The El Dorado Springs Sun strives to present accurate information but cannot be held liable for any errors or omissions in our reporting.

Stay updated on local cases by subscribing to The El Dorado Springs Sun. Please send all corrections or typos to sunpub@centurylink.net, including the article information in the subject line.

El Dorado Springs man faces ongoing legal delays following felony assault charge

From The El Dorado Sun Newsroom

If you followed our initial coverage in January 2025, here is an update on the case of Trevor Lee Barker. Barker, 44, of El Dorado Springs, is charged with second-degree assault after a violent altercation on December 28, 2024, left 19-year-old Jastin Coleman hospitalized with a brain bleed and other serious injuries.

According to the probable cause statement, Coleman was attempting to protect his mother during a dispute when Barker allegedly struck him in the head, causing Coleman to fall and hit the concrete floor. The impact left Coleman unconscious and in need of immediate medical care.

Coleman was transported to Cedar County Memorial Hospital, where he was treated for a brain bleed and other injuries that medical professionals say may result in long-term complications. A warrant for Barker’s arrest was issued on December 31, and his bond was initially set at $35,000 cash only due to the seriousness of the charges and concerns over prior failures to appear in other counties.

Barker was taken into custody and appeared in court on January 2, 2025, before Cedar County Associate Circuit Judge Jacob Michael Dawson. Representing himself at the time, Barker requested a reduced bond of $3,000 cash or surety. The prosecution did not oppose the request, and Judge Dawson approved the bond reduction.

Since then, the case has faced numerous procedural delays and legal maneuvering. Barker was initially represented by public defender Keegan Whipple, who filed a motion to withdraw from the case on April 9. Shortly after, attorney Nicholas Swischer entered his appearance on behalf of Barker and requested discovery materials and a continuance.

Court records show at least three separate case management hearings were scheduled between February and May. Each was continued due to weather, court scheduling conflicts, or attorney availability. One hearing originally set for April 30 was continued at the defendant’s request due to a conflict with legal counsel.

Judge Dawson has presided over the case from its inception, including the initial arraignment, bond reduction hearing, and each postponed management conference. More than four months after Barker’s initial appearance, the court continues to await a rescheduled date for the preliminary hearing.

Coleman’s condition and recovery status have not been publicly updated, though initial reports indicated potential long-term neurological damage.

The Cedar County Court docket indicates Barker’s next appearance is scheduled for May 14, 2025.

El Dorado Springs man charged with sodomy, armed criminal action

From The El Dorado Springs Newsroom

A local man is facing multiple felony charges following a criminal investigation by the El Dorado Springs Police Department.

Davis C. Long, 35, of El Dorado Springs, has been charged with two counts of first-degree sodomy and two counts of armed criminal action, all unclassified felonies under Missouri law. The charges stem from incidents that allegedly occurred between February and May 2020 and involve a confidential victim.

According to a criminal complaint filed by Cedar County Prosecuting Attorney Ty Gaither, Long is accused of engaging in deviant sexual intercourse with the victim by means of forcible compulsion. The complaint further alleges that during both incidents, Long used or threatened the use of a deadly weapon.

A warrant for Long’s arrest was issued on May 6, 2025. He appeared in custody the same day before Judge Dawson for an initial arraignment, during which he applied for representation by the public defender’s office. The court scheduled a bond reduction hearing for May 14 at 10 a.m.

In accordance with Missouri law protecting the identity and rights of victims in sex crime cases, the court has ordered the probable cause statement to remain confidential and accessible only to attorneys of record.

While the court has since sealed the probable cause statement, it remained publicly accessible for days. During that time, the document included the victim’s name and detailed allegations regarding the events, prompting concerns over the release of sensitive and identifying information.

Attorney Charles Raymond Watson, based in El Dorado Springs, has entered an appearance on behalf of Long.

No bond has been set as of press time. Long is scheduled to appear in court for a bond reduction hearing on May 14 at 10 a.m. before Judge Dawson in Cedar County Circuit Court, Associate Division.

Hocking charged with multiple counts of property damage following El Dorado Springs incident

From the El Dorado Springs Newsroom

EL DORADO SPRINGS, Mo. — Terrance C. Hocking of El Dorado Springs has been charged with three counts of first-degree property damage, each classified as a Class E felony under Missouri law, following a series of destructive acts that occurred on April 14.

According to a probable cause statement filed by Deputy Frank Brumfield of the Cedar County Sheriff’s Office, Hocking was arrested after allegedly damaging two vehicles and a garage door at a residence in El Dorado Springs. The report states that Deputy Brumfield arrived on the scene to find a white Chevrolet Silverado with a shattered windshield, multiple dents on the hood, and all four tires deflated. A black Nissan Altima parked nearby also showed signs of fresh damage, including dents and a broken windshield, reportedly from Hocking walking on the hood.

Additionally, a garage door on the property had been forcibly damaged. Investigators believe Hocking reversed his own vehicle into the structure, causing significant harm. Victims on the scene said Hocking admitted to using a brick to break the windshield of the Silverado.

The estimated cost of the damage was $1,000 for each vehicle and $1,000 for the garage door. If the tires are found to be damaged beyond deflation, total costs could increase by an additional $700.

A criminal summons was issued April 24 and personally served by the Cedar County Sheriff’s Office the next day at 2:24 p.m. Prosecuting Attorney Ty Steven Gaither filed the formal complaint.

No bond has been set as of press time. Hocking is scheduled to appear for his initial hearing before Judge Dawson at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, May 14, at the Cedar County Courthouse.

Former Cedar County Sheriff’s employee Michael Rush arrested on new charge

From the El Dorado Springs Newsroom

Michael Rush, a former employee of the Cedar County Sheriff’s Office, has been arrested again, this time on a new charge of non-support.

Rush, 35, of Stockton, was taken into custody on Monday, May 12, and booked at 10:40 a.m. According to jail records, no bond has been set as of press time. He is currently classified as a medium-level inmate.

Rush was previously charged with child abuse, neglect, and domestic assault. While he had been released on bond in those earlier cases and remained in the community, he continued to have access to his household and was seen around his stepchildren.

The most recent charge, non-support, adds to an already growing list of legal troubles for Rush. No court date has been publicly announced for the latest charge.

This is a developing story. The El Dorado Springs Sun will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.