BENTON, MISSOURI - Scott County Sheriff Rick Walter reports one man arrested on charges stemming from “mudding” in a farm field.
Matthew Allan Marks (26), of 1704 State Highway HH, Sikeston was arrested on Saturday, March 14, 2015 after a property owner reported Marks’ vehicle had driven in his field and damaged a planted crop.
Sheriff Walter states that during the early morning hours of Saturday, March 14th, Sergeant Justin Wooten met with a complainant that witnessed a black Ram 1500 crew cab pickup tearing up a farm field planted in winter wheat. An estimate in excess of $1,000 was provided for the crop damage caused by the pickup. The victim was able to identify the vehicle and the Missouri license plate number.
Sergeant Wooten conducted a registration check through the Department of Revenue which identified the vehicle, address, and owner as Marks. Sergeant Wooten then drove to Marks’ residence on Highway HH where he made contact with Marks and found the vehicle.
The pickup, just as described by the victim, was parked behind the residence on Highway HH. It was covered in fresh mud. Marks told the deputy he was “wasted” and did not remember how he got home or who had been driving his vehicle. He denied any knowledge of damaging any crops because of his intoxication level. Sergeant Wooten noted that he could not smell any odor of alcoholic beverage emitting from Marks.
Marks was arrested at approximately 3:23 a.m. and transported to the Scott County Jail. Marks stated he had consumed several beers and several shots of “fireball” whiskey. Marks submitted to a voluntary breath test. The test result for blood alcohol content was .000 indicating that Marks had not consumed any alcoholic beverage as stated. Marks was informed of the test result and asked again about the incident. He again stated he was too intoxicated to remember anything. Sergeant Wooten observed nothing that would indicate Marks was intoxicated.
Sheriff Walter said that activity of this type often leads to property damage and criminal charges. The Sheriff states that some folks have a desire to go “mudding” in a field, but fail to consider they may be trespassing, and causing property damage. The Sheriff asks everyone to carefully consider their actions and the related consequences before deciding to participate in any activity of this type.
Sheriff Walter requests that anyone who has additional information on Marks related to these activities, any other persons involved in activity of this type, or information regarding any other criminal activity to contact the Scott County Sheriff’s Office at 545-3525, or leave a message on the crime tip line at 1-866-210-4322.
Marks was released from jail pending the issuance of a Criminal Summons at approximately 2:53 p.m. per the order of the Scott County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.
Sheriff Walter reminds everyone that all persons arrested are considered innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.
