Governor’s Task Force
Commends MIAC for Analytical Work on Cattle Theft
JEFFERSON CITY, September 15, 2006- Gov. Matt Blunt’s
Cattle Theft Task Force relied on pertinent intelligence information
from Missouri’s Information Analysis Center (MIAC) to expedite
the recent cattle theft arrest.
“The MIAC was a tremendous asset in helping us
connect the dots on isolated pieces of information that once linked
together accelerated the successful investigation,” said Sergeant
Steve Crain of the Missouri State Water Patrol and Task Force member.
Information collected from different databases and analyzed
by intelligence analysts at the MIAC assisted the Task Force in developing
a suspect and eventually making an arrest.
“This special Task Force has heeded the governor’s
call to combat cattle rustling and I commend the skillful knowledge
of these trained law enforcement individuals to tap into the critical
resources and valuable information the MIAC provides in order to bring
the offenders to justice,” said Mark James Director of Public
Safety.
Anthony A. Smith was arrested on Sept. 11, 2006, in
connection with this investigation and has now been implicated in
thefts occurring in Miller and Cooper Counties. Additional charges
will be filed in Phelps County as well for other stealing related
crimes. Smith a 34-year-old white male resides in Phelps County where
the cattle have been recovered. The estimated value of these animals
is approximately $100,000.
The Governor’s Cattle Theft Task Force includes
investigators from the Missouri State Water Patrol and the Missouri
State Highway Patrol, along with the Cooper, Miller, Polk, Greene,
Christian and Pulaski County Sheriff’s Departments. Analysts
from the MIAC have been assigned to collect and analyze cattle theft
data from across the state of Missouri as well as bordering states.
The mission of the MIAC is to collect, evaluate, analyze
and disseminate information and intelligence to the agencies tasked
with homeland security and public safety responsibilities, in a timely,
effective and secure manner. Part of this analysis is the identification
of potential trends or patterns of terrorist or criminal operations
within the state of Missouri.
Missourians can call 1-866-362-MIAC (6422) to report
suspicious activity. Citizens may also report a tip by e-mail to miac@mshp.dps.mo.gov.
The MIAC homepage can be viewed at www.miacx.org.
The above charges are mere accusation and are not evidence
of guilt. Evidence in support of these charges must be presented before
a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty is determine guilt or
innocence.