Morgan County Prosecutors Office

02/24/2026

Thank you for the trust you have placed in me over the past 15 years to serve as your Prosecuting Attorney. It has been an honor to stand for our community, pursue justice, and support those impacted by crime. Today, I am filing to continue serving Morgan County, and I remain committed to keeping our county safe and ensuring victims are heard and protected under the law.

02/23/2026

PRESS RELEASE February 23, 2026

Melanie Crow Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison Following Jury Trial Convictions

Morgan County Prosecuting Attorney Dustin G. Dunklee announces that following a three-day jury trial that began on November 3, 2025, Melanie Renae Crow was convicted of multiple felony offenses in the Circuit Court of Moniteau County, Missouri, Case No. 24MT-CR00043 after a change of venue to Moniteau County.

After hearing evidence over the course of three days, the jury returned guilty verdicts on:
• Count I – Assault in the First Degree (Class A Felony)
• Count II – Assault in the Third Degree – Special Victim (Law Enforcement) (Class D Felony)
• Count III – Domestic Assault in the Third Degree (Class E Felony)

The jury found Ms. Crow not guilty on eight counts of Unlawful Possession of a Firearm (Felon in Possession).

Because Ms. Crow was charged and found to be a prior felony offender, sentencing was a matter for the Court rather than the jury.

On February 13, 2026, the Honorable Judge Andrew Hardwick sentenced Ms. Crow as follows:
• 20 years in the Missouri Department of Corrections on Count I – Assault in the First Degree
• 6 years on Count II – Assault in the Third Degree (Special Victim – Law Enforcement)
• 4 years on Count III – Domestic Assault in the Third Degree

Judge Hardwick ordered the sentences to run consecutively, for a total sentence of 30 years in the Missouri Department of Corrections.

Prosecuting Attorney Dustin G. Dunklee stated:
“This case reflects our office’s continued commitment to seeking justice for victims of violent assault, particularly when those assaults result in serious physical injury. Violent conduct that endangers members of our community and our law enforcement officers will be prosecuted fully and firmly.”

Dunklee further expressed his appreciation to the Morgan County Sheriff’s Department for their thorough investigation and professional work throughout the case.
“I want to thank the deputies and investigators with the Morgan County Sheriff’s Department for their hard work and dedication. Their careful and complete investigation ensured that the jury had the evidence necessary to reach a just verdict.”

The Morgan County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office remains committed to protecting the safety of the community and holding violent offenders accountable under Missouri law.

01/13/2026

The Morgan County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office is now hiring a Legal Assistant. This position offers excellent benefits, including paid health insurance, retirement, paid holidays, sick leave, and vacation. Interested applicants should submit a resume via email.

11/06/2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 6, 2025

Jury Finds Melanie Crow Guilty in Moniteau County Trial

California, Missouri — Morgan County Prosecuting Attorney Dustin G. Dunklee announced today that following a three-day jury trial held in Moniteau County (due to a change of venue), a jury found Melanie Renae Crow guilty of Assault in the First Degree, Assault in the Third Degree – Special Victim, and Domestic Assault in the Third Degree.

The jury returned its verdicts after hearing evidence presented over the course of three days. Ms. Crow was found not guilty on multiple counts of Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, which alleged constructive possession.

The offenses arose from an investigation conducted by the Morgan County Sheriff’s Office on July 12, 2023. The case was prosecuted by Morgan County Prosecuting Attorney Dustin G. Dunklee, Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Dan Hagedorn, and Moniteau County Prosecuting Attorney Derik Kinde.
Under Missouri law:
• Assault in the First Degree is a Class A felony, punishable by 10 to 30 years or life imprisonment in the Missouri Department of Corrections. This crime is also a dangerous felony as defined by Missouri law, as such 85% of the sentence must be served before a defendant is eligible for parole.
• Assault in the Third Degree – Special Victim is a Class D felony, punishable by up to 7 years imprisonment or a fine of up to $10,000, or both.
• Domestic Assault in the Third Degree is a Class E felony, punishable by up to 4 years imprisonment or a fine of up to $10,000, or both.

Sentencing is scheduled for December 12, 2025, in Moniteau County Circuit Court.

Prosecutor Dunklee commended the efforts of the Morgan County Sheriff’s Office for their thorough investigation and professionalism throughout the case, as well as the jury for their attention and service during the trial.

09/23/2025

UPDATE – September 23, 2025

On September 22, 2025, at approximately 6:00 p.m., a suspect in this ongoing investigation was taken into custody in Miller County, Missouri.

Pursuant to Missouri Supreme Court Rule 4-3.6 (Trial Publicity), neither this office nor the Versailles Police Department is able to release additional details at this time.

I want to assure the public that, based on the information presently available, I believe there is no ongoing threat to community safety.

— Dustin G. Dunklee, Prosecuting Attorney

05/31/2025

Sorry for the repeat posts, but the Apple Fest is near and dear to my heart. Some of my best childhood & adult memories stem from the 1st Saturday in October when friends and family and 30,000 plus visit my hometown. The Cenex Hometown Throwdown is a once in a lifetime opportunity for the Fest. Please take two minutes to vote for the Apple Fest! Thanks, Dustin

https://www.facebook.com/share/1C7mSJzwk2/?mibextid=wwXIfr

It’s now or never! ⏰ Vote for your favorite festival to win $100K by clicking the link in the bio.

05/22/2025

Teamwork, training, and a whole lot of camaraderie!
The Morgan County Prosecutor’s Office had an outstanding day on the range, thanks to the exceptional instruction and support from our partners at the Morgan County Sheriff’s Office. Huge thanks to JD, Dave, and Jake for keeping us safe, sharp, and informed. We appreciate your time and expertise!

05/09/2025

“Other towns wish they had apple pie contests, demolition derbies, and retro bands. We just call it Saturday.”

Tap the link or scan the QR code: cenexhometownthrowdown.com

📅 Vote once per email, now through May 31, 2025!

05/02/2025

Please vote!

Enter your festival now!

05/01/2025

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