Lies lead to felonies

Philip Cotrone will appear in court for a hearing on Jan. 2 with Judge O’Brien Hendrickson presiding over the case. The Mansfield resident has been charged with a Class D felony of Second Degree Burglary, Class E felony of First Degree Stalking, Class E felony of First Degree Harassment, and Class B Misdemeanor of Making a False Report. The charges come after an investigation that occurred earlier this year.

According to a probable cause statement from the Rogersville Police Department, on June 24, officers responded to a call for assistance from Child Protective Services (CPS) at a residence. After arriving at the residence, the two parties spoke to the victim, who permitted them to search the home.

During the search, a white substance was found; the officer determined it was a smashed-up deodorant. A photo of the substance was sent to CPS, prompting the agency to visit the victim’s residence in the first place.

The victim explained to the officers and CPS that while they were away, Cotrone had entered the home without permission and proceeded to make a mess, plant fake drugs, and then call CPS. They told the officer how Cotrone had continuously harassed and stalked them, including calling 67 times, sending text messages, and randomly showing up at the victim’s home and letting himself in.

The next day, the officers received word that the victim had called, informing that Cotrone had shown up that morning, banging on the door and demanding to be let in.

The officer arrived and told Cotrone he was trespassing at the victim’s residence. According to the probable cause statement, Cotrone expressed understanding and handed the officer a campaign card stating he would be Lieutenant Governor.

On Aug. 18, the victim informed the officers that Cotrone had continued harassing them. A few days later, they came to the police station and showed the officers the text and audio messages he had sent to them, including name-calling, threatening their lives, and video of him flashing a badge and claiming he would have the victim arrested and take the victim’s child away from them. Cotrone was arrested shortly afterward.

Currently, Cotrone is out on bond. When he and his attorney appeared in court on Dec. 5, Cotrone waived his right to a formal arraignment and pleaded not guilty. According to Casenet, He is scheduled to be in court on Jan. 2 for a hearing.

Cotrone could face a range of punishments for each charge if convicted. For the Class B Misdemeanor, he faces up to six months in county jail, a fine of up to $1,000, or a combination of both.

Each Class E Felony carries one to four years in the Missouri Department of Corrections, a special one-year term in county jail, a fine up to $10,000, or a combination of jail time and fine.

Class D felony punishment could range from one to seven years in MODOC, a special one-year term in county jail, a fine up to $10,000, or a combination of jail time and fine.