National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior
Ozark National Scenic Riverways
P.O. Box 490 Van Buren Missouri 63965-0490 573-323-4236 phone 573-323-4140 fax
Ozark National Scenic Riverways News Release
August 3, 2006 Patty Dorris 573-323-4236, ext. 225 For Immediate Release Indictment by Grand Jury for Threatening Assault of Park Ranger and Water Patrol On July 15, 2006, law enforcement Rangers from Ozark National Scenic Riverways responded to a fight at the Blue Spring campground located on the Jacks Fork River in Shannon County, Missouri. An investigation into the matter revealed that John L. Wolford from Montier, Missouri, exhibited a knife against another male at his campsite in a threatening and violent manner. Wolford was apprehended and arrested for alleged public intoxication, disorderly conduct and attempted assault with a deadly weapon. While in custody Wolford attempted to assault a U. S. Park Ranger and a Missouri State Water Patrolman who was assisting in the arrest. Wolford was transferred to the U. S. Marshal’s office in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, where he is currently being held without bond. On July 20 the Grand Jury indicted Wolford on four felony counts for exhibiting a weapon in an angry and threatening manner, threatening to assault a U.S. Park Ranger and a Missouri State Water Patrolman while engaged in their official duties On July 20 Wolford appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Lewis M. Blanton and entered a plea of not guilty. A Pre-Motion hearing has been scheduled for August 10 at the United States District Court in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. Assistant United States Attorney Keith Sorrell will be the prosecuting the case. -NPS-
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