RIPLEY COUNTY, Mo. (KFVS) — Shocking new allegations have surfaced involving former Ripley County Sheriff Michael L. Barton, who is now facing multiple stealing charges following an investigation by the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
According to court documents, three vehicles purchased by the Ripley County Sheriff’s Office in 2023 were titled and registered in Barton’s name and listed under his home address, despite being county property.
The investigation also uncovered a shotgun seized in 2020 that was supposed to be stored in the department’s evidence locker, but was instead found in Barton’s possession.
On April 11, state investigators executed a search warrant at Barton’s home and reportedly discovered multiple firearms that had been previously listed as missing from the sheriff’s office evidence locker, along with two vehicles and electronic equipment.
Barton, who was booked into the Ripley County Detention Center, is currently out on bond and scheduled to appear in court on May 13.
He faces the following charges:
Two counts of stealing a firearm
Two counts of stealing property valued at $750 or more
The case has raised serious concerns about internal oversight and accountability in law enforcement, with officials continuing to examine how Barton was able to retain control over county-purchased assets.
