Pettis County Sheriff’s Office Reports for May 14, 2024

This article is compiled from reports issued by the Pettis County Sheriff's Office.

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On the morning of May 11th, Pettis County Deputies responded to the 1000 block of South Oak Street in La Monte, to speak to a male subject with a Pettis County warrant. The warrant was issued on May 2nd, 2024. The initial incident occurred in February of 2024. A victim had called the Pettis County Joint Communications Office and advised that she could see someone in her house on camera, when no one was supposed to be there. Furthermore, she recognized him as her neighbor, Jason William Nichols, 37, of La Monte. Deputies arrived on scene, and checked to find all doors and windows were secure, except for one window on the north side of the home. That window led to the kitchen, and right under it was a blue folding chair. There appeared to be mud on the window sill, but not the sink area. Due to both residents being at work, Deputies secured the home and called the home owner. She explained that they had money stolen from them last month, and put up a camera to see if the suspect would return (Report 2024-00093). She then saw Nichols going through things in their closet. Deputies also spoke with Nichols, who was standing near his home. Nichols stated he was in the house looking for a crow bar in the garage. When asked why he was in the bedroom, his story changed, and he stated he was looking for a ring. The victim explained that Nichols has never been over to their house when no one is home with their permission. Neither did he have a key to the house, which should have been locked. The victim did say that she had sent a message this morning to a neighbor, asking if there was a package at work for her. The neighbor responded with “Nobody’s at home right now,” and that put the victim on high alert. A few hours later, Nichols was inside their house. Video of the incident shows Nichols going back and forth several times, looking for something. Since the previous report concerned money that was taken from a safe, Deputies believed Nichols was looking for the keys to the safe, not a ring. Nichols was arrested on a charge of felony Burglary in the 2nd Degree and transported to the Pettis County Jail, with bond set at $15,000 cash or surety. Bond conditions include Nichols must have no contact of any kind with the victim.