Ozark in Real Life: 4 Defendants Plead Guilty to Federal Felony Charges in Ozark National Scenic Riverways
This news story about multiple federal felony charges in the Ozark National Scenic Riverways is based on an April 28, 2022, National Park Service press release. You can read the original release here.
Fans of the popular Netflix drama Ozark will certainly recognize parts of this national park news story. Although the show is fictional, it does appear it’s not all too far from reality.
According to the National Park Service, four defendants were charged with federal felonies at the Ozark National Scenic Riverways, a site that preserves 134 miles of the free-flowing Current and Jacks Fork Rivers in Missouri, as well as the unique cultural heritage of the Ozark people.
All four men pled guilty to their respective offenses, which involved violence, resisting arrest, illegal drugs and/or weapons—very much in line with what the show Ozark is about.
4 Defendants Plead Guilty to Federal Felony Charges at Ozark National Scenic Riverways
Below is an overview of the felons, their committed federal felonies at Ozark National Scenic Riverways, as well as the sentence they received.
Ozark Felon 1: Running From Police, Illegal Drugs and Weaponry
Darryl W. Maberry, age 61, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, pled guilty to one felony count of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court records, Maberry was arrested August 5, 2021, near Grandin, Missouri, after he fled National Park Service (NPS) law enforcement rangers who attempted to conduct a traffic stop on the vehicle he was driving within the national park.
Maberry led rangers on a pursuit lasting over seven miles before he eventually submitted to arrest. A search of the vehicle revealed a semiautomatic pistol, ammunition, methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, and homemade body armor.
Maberry, a previously convicted felon, was sentenced on February 17 to six months home detention followed by two years intensive probation.
NPS law enforcement rangers were assisted in the pursuit and investigation by the Missouri Highway Patrol and Carter County Sheriff’s Office.
Ozark Felon 2: Violence, Intoxication and Resisting Arrest
Thomas D. Beck, Jr., age 38, of St. Genevieve, Missouri, pled guilty to both felony counts of a two-count indictment charging him with assaulting a federal law enforcement officer and malicious destruction of property.
According to court records, Beck was arrested by NPS law enforcement rangers on July 7, 2021, near the Akers Ferry Canoe Rental in Shannon County.
While in an intoxicated condition, Beck got into an argument with another man and broke the windshield out of a nearby vehicle with a kayak paddle.
When confronted by law enforcement rangers, Beck resisted efforts to take him into custody, resulting in his physical restraint.
On February 22, Beck was sentenced to three years of intensive probation and restitution to the victim in the amount of $930.36.
Ozark Felon 3: Illegal Drugs
Nathaniel L. Roberts, age 22, of Winona, Missouri, pled guilty to one felony count of possession of a firearm by an unlawful user of controlled substances.
Roberts was arrested on July 29, 2021, during a vehicle stop near Rocky Falls in Shannon County when law enforcement rangers found him to be in possession of drug paraphernalia and a Marlin rifle.
According to court records, investigation (including chemical testing) determined Roberts was under the influence of marijuana and methamphetamine.
On March 22, Roberts was sentenced to time-served in addition to three years intensive probation.
Ozark Felon 4: Stolen Firearm and Illegal Drugs
Jason R. Bettis, age 43, of Winona, Missouri, pled guilty to one felony count of possession of a firearm by an unlawful user of a controlled substance.
According to court records, Bettis was arrested August 29, 2020, by NPS law enforcement rangers on Highway 106 near Alley Mill in Shannon County for driving under the influence.
Upon his arrest, law enforcement rangers located hypodermic syringes and three bundles of methamphetamine in his pocket and a firearm under his seat.
A computer check indicated the firearm had been reported stolen to police in Paragould, Arkansas.
On March 22, Bettis was sentenced to 18 months incarceration in the Federal Bureau of Prisons followed by three years intensive probation.
“One of our top priorities is to provide an experience for our visitors that is safe and family-friendly,” Superintendent Jason Lott said.
“We will continue to address illegal activity and inappropriate behaviors within the park to ensure all visitors can enjoy the many wonderful opportunities that Ozark National Scenic Riverways and our local communities have to offer.”
The mission of National Park Service law enforcement rangers and special agents is the prevention, detection, and investigation of criminal activity to fulfill the agency’s congressional mission and mandate to administer areas under their care in such manner that they are free of criminal activities.
Anyone witnessing criminal or suspicious activity within Ozark National Scenic Riverways is encouraged to notify law enforcement by contacting the NPS regional dispatch center at (844) 460-3604.
