The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control has announced the arrest of Jessica D. Welch, 46, of Charleston, Missouri. Welch was arrested on August 5, 2024, for one count of felony stealing of $750 or more.
The arrest stems from an investigation by the Troop E Criminal Investigations Unit of the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control. The investigation was initiated following a request from Mississippi County Prosecuting Attorney Claire Poley on July 28, 2023. Poley requested the investigation into allegations of stealing by Welch, a former Charleston R-1 School District employee.
On August 5, 2024, Welch was arrested pursuant to an active Mississippi County warrant. Following the formal charges by the Mississippi County Prosecuting Attorney, Welch was charged with one count of stealing over $750. Welch subsequently posted a $10,000.00 cash/surety bond.