A former Goodman, Missouri Police Chief and McDonald County Sheriff's Deputy faces charges of stealing livestock.
25-year-old Samuel Townsend was charged with two felony counts of theft or stealing two registered black Angus bulls from a location in Goodman, then taking them to the Joplin Stockyard and selling them for over $5,500.
Authorities also say Townsend allegedly contacted the Joplin Stockyards when he found out about the investigation, asking them to stop payment and change the name on the payment check.
Townsend was the chief of police in Goodman in 2023, but resigned in August of 2024 after losing his bid for McDonald County Sheriff.
Townsend initial court appearance is scheduled for January 7th.
