On Thursday, May 1, 2014, DUSTIE SHIRES, d/o/b 2-02-1980, of Branson, entered guilty pleas on three (3) felony cases in the Circuit Court of Taney County. Upon pleading guilty to the class B felonies of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and trafficking in stolen identities, and the class C felony of possession of methamphetamine, Circuit Court Judge Mark Orr ordered Shires to serve concurrent seven (7) year sentences in the Missouri Department of Corrections on each case, pursuant to a plea agreement with the Taney County Prosecutor’s Office.

Three (3) other felony cases were dismissed against Shires as part of the plea agreement. Through 2012 and 2013 Shires was arrested for drug and stealing-related offenses, resulting in the six (6) different felony cases. “It seemed like each time Shires bonded-out of jail, she would get arrested for a new crime,” said Taney County Prosecutor Jeff Merrell. “Eventually, we were able to get her bonds revoked and keep her in custody until her cases were resolved.”

Class B felonies carry a maximum penalty of fifteen (15) years in the Missouri Department of Corrections, while a class C felony carries a maximum penalty of seven (7) years in the Department of Corrections and a fine not to exceed $5,000.00.