Steeleville Man Charged Following Theft Investigation in Cuba

Steeleville, Mo. KFMO) - A Steeleville man is facing multiple felony charges after an investigation into the theft of state-owned property in Cuba, Missouri.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control announced the arrest of 31-year-old Dennis C. Hope of Steeleville following an investigation involving stolen specialized Highway Patrol equipment.

According to authorities, investigators were called on March 31st to look into a reported theft at a Missouri Department of Transportation facility in Cuba. Officials say specialized Highway Patrol equipment was taken from the site, and several other pieces of equipment stored at the facility were damaged during the incident.

Investigators with the Division of Drug and Crime Control, assisted by the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office, followed multiple leads and gathered evidence that allegedly connected Hope to the theft.

Authorities say all of the stolen equipment was later recovered and returned to the Patrol.

On April 1st, Crawford County deputies located Hope in Cuba and took him into custody. He was transported to the Crawford County Jail pending formal charges.

On April 2nd, the Crawford County Prosecuting Attorney formally charged Hope with one count of Stealing $750 or More, a Class D felony, three counts of Tampering with Service of Utility or Institution, also Class D felonies, and one count of Property Damage, a Class E felony.

Hope is currently being held in the Crawford County Jail without bond.

The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information related to the theft is encouraged to contact Troop I Headquarters at 573-368-2345.