Taney County Prosecuting Attorney, Jeff Merrell, announced today that JAMES SCOTT RASH, DOB: 1/10/1971, of Branson, was sentenced on Wednesday, January 27, 2016, to ten (10) years in prison by Judge Eric Eighmy, in the Taney County Circuit Court. Rash’s sentence was part of a plea agreement with the Taney County Prosecutor’s Office that required Rash to plead guilty to six (6) counts of class C felony stealing, receive six (6) concurrent ten (10) year prison sentences, and agree to be responsible for over $53,000.00 in restitution to victims.

On March 5, 2015, Branson Police were called to investigate the burglary of several Branson businesses. Footprints left in the snow leading from one burglary scene to the Hall of Fame Motel, directed officers to James Rash. Further investigation led police to discover that Rash was trespassing in a room at the Hall of Fame Motel. On March 26, 2015, Branson Police were able to question Rash, at which time he confessed to burglarizing several businesses and vending machines in Branson and Rogersville.

Because Rash is going to the Missouri Department of Corrections, he will likely be unable to pay any of the restitution owed until he is paroled back to the community. If that happens, restitution payments will be a condition of Rash’s parole.

Rash’s stealing charges were class C felonies, which normally carry a maximum sentence of up to seven (7) years in the Missouri Department of Corrections and/or a $5,000.00 fine. However, Rash was charged as a prior and persistent felony offender, which enhanced his maximum punishment to that of a B felony – up to fifteen (15) years in the Missouri Department of Corrections.