Former Ripley County Sheriff arrested for stealing firearms

RIPLEY COUNTY, Mo., (KBSI) – Former Ripley County Sheriff Michael Barton has been arrested and charged with multiple counts of stealing.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Crime Control investigative unit launched an investigation on April 3 after allegations surfaced about a former Ripley County Sheriff’s Office employee possessing stolen property.

A search warrant was served at Barton’s residence near Doniphan on April 11. Firearms found at the residence were compared to a list of missing firearms from the Ripley County Sheriff’s Office evidence locker.

Two vehicles and electronic equipment were also seized.

Barton faces two counts of stealing a firearm and two counts of stealing $750 or more.

Barton was taken to the Ripley County Detention Center but has since bonded out.