News Release

Springfield man sentenced for felony counts after fleeing park rangers

Leon Barnes pled guilty to federal charges on May 16.

News Release Date: May 20, 2022

Contact: Ozark National Scenic Riverways, [phone]

VAN BUREN, Mo. – On May 16, 2022, Leon Barnes, age 49, pled guilty to felony counts of making a materially false statement to a federal law enforcement officer and resisting arrest during an interaction with park rangers at Ozark National Scenic Riverways.

According to court documents, on July 13, 2021, National Park Service law enforcement rangers were investigating and clearing an illegal campsite near the Pulltite section of the park when they were approached by Leon Barnes, who stated some of the items belonged to him. When Barnes was asked for identification he provided law enforcement rangers with a fictitious name, date of birth, and social security number. Barnes then quickly accelerated his vehicle and drove away. A pursuit ensued, with Barnes traveling nearly 30 miles before surrendering. It was determined that Barnes had an active warrant for his arrest, and he admitted providing false identification because he was aware of the outstanding warrant.

Barnes was sentenced to 54 and 48 months imprisonment, respectively, in the Federal Bureau of Prisons. The prison terms will run concurrently and be followed by a term of two years intensive supervised release.  NPS law enforcement rangers were assisted in the pursuit and investigation by members of the Dent County Sheriff’s Office.

The mission of NPS law enforcement rangers and special agents is the prevention, detection and investigation of criminal activity to fulfill the agency’s congressional mission and mandate to administer areas under their care in such manner that they are free of criminal activities.  

Anyone witnessing criminal or suspicious activity within the Ozark National Scenic Riverways is encouraged to notify law enforcement by contacting the NPS regional dispatch center toll free at 844-460-3604.

www.nps.gov/ozar

Ozark National Scenic Riverways preserves 134 miles of the free-flowing Current and Jacks Fork rivers, the surrounding resources, and the unique cultural heritage of the Ozark people. 

 Learn more at www.nps.gov/ozar.  Find us on Facebook @ozarkriverways and on Instagram @ozarkriverwaysnps.

About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America's 423 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov, and on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.