News Release

Two sentenced to federal prison for crimes investigated in Ozark National Scenic Riverways

(Left) Jackie Delashmit (Right) James Piatt

Booking Photo and Department of Revenue

News Release Date: October 14, 2022

Contact: Ozark National Scenic Riverways, 573-323-4814

VAN BUREN, Mo. -  Two felony cases investigated by Law Enforcement Rangers within Ozark National Scenic Riverways resulted in federal prison sentences. 

On January 5, 2022, Jackie Delashmit, age 64, of Salem, Missouri, pled guilty to one felony count of conspiracy to possess a firearm as a convicted felon, in violation of 18 United States Code § 371.   

According to court records, on April 20, 2020, a National Park Service (NPS) Law Enforcement Ranger encountered Delashmit near Parker Hollow in Dent County, consuming alcohol in his vehicle.  During the contact Delashmit was found to be in possession of a firearm and had previously been convicted of more than one felony offense.  Delashmit was arrested, booked and released at the Dent County Sheriff’s Office following Covid-19 protocols in place at the time.  He was subsequently indicted by a grand jury for the Eastern District of Missouri.   

On July 18, 2022, Delashmit was sentenced to serve 18 months in the Federal Bureau of Prisons, followed by two years of supervised release.  The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office, St. Louis Division.  The Honorable Audrey Fleissig, United States District Judge, presided. 

On February 8, 2022, James Piatt, age 55, of Bunker, Missouri, pled guilty to one felony count of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, in violation of 18 United States Code § 922(g). 

According to court records, on July 16, 2021, an NPS Law Enforcement Ranger conducted a traffic stop on Piatt for operating a UTV on Highway 19 near Round Spring. During the contact Piatt was arrested for Driving Under the Influence, searched, and found to be in possession of methamphetamine and a loaded firearm.  During the stop, Park Rangers learned Piatt had previously been convicted of more than one felony offense.  Piatt was arrested, booked at the Dent County Sheriff’s Office, and subsequently indicted by a grand jury for the Eastern District of Missouri. 

On August 18, 2022, Piatt was sentenced to serve 41 months in the Federal Bureau of Prisons, followed by two years of supervised release.  The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office, Cape Girardeau Division.  The Honorable Rodney Sippel, United States District Judge, presided. 

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 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.