Rolla Man Charged With Livestock Theft in Barry County

The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control (DDCC) has filed formal charges against 39-year-old Melvin J. Fincher, of Rolla.

Fincher was arrested on March 9, after an investigation by the Rural Crimes Investigation Unit (RCIU) of DDCC.

On September 3 of 2025, the Polk County Sheriff requested assistance from the RCIU with the investigation of the theft of cattle from a local county resident.

Polk County Sheriff Danny Morrison identified the suspect in the investigation as Fincher. Fincher was also identified as a possible suspect in two other cattle thefts, one of which occurred in Barry County.

DDCC investigators identified patterns similar to other cattle theft incidents across the state, including those in Polk and Phelps Counties. Investigators followed up on several leads and obtained additional evidence to develop probable cause for arrest. Investigators sent a probable cause statement to the Barry County Prosecutor seeking a felony charge.

On February 11, Fincher was formally charged by the Barry County Prosecuting Attorney with one count of Stealing Livestock/Wildlife - Prior Offense, and a warrant was issued for his arrest.

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On March 9, Operation Relentless Pursuit Officers and members of the U.S. Marshals Service located Fincher in Neosho. He was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Newton County Jail. Bail was set at $50,000.