FESTUS, Mo. (Oct. 6, 2025) — A De Soto man has been charged with first-degree tampering after authorities located a stolen vehicle late Thursday night in Festus, according to law enforcement and court records filed on Oct. 2, 2025.

At approximately 11:13 p.m. on April 17, 2025, a Flock safety camera, which monitors traffic, alerted police to a stolen green 1999 Dodge Ram with Missouri license plate 2FFH49 in the area of Collins Avenue in Festus. Officers canvassed the area and located the vehicle parked in the driveway of a local residence.

After confirming with Festus Dispatch and the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office that the truck was listed as stolen, officers contacted a resident at the address. The resident stated a friend, later identified as Andy James Hubbard, had driven the vehicle to the home.

Hubbard, age 39, of De Soto, admitted to being in possession of the Dodge and said he had driven it from “Were Lake” using public roadways. A records check revealed Hubbard’s driver’s license was suspended.

Authorities also contacted the vehicle’s registered owner, who confirmed Hubbard did not have permission to use the truck.

Hubbard was arrested at the scene and transported to the Festus Police Department, where he was read his Miranda rights and provided a written statement. In the statement, he claimed he believed the vehicle was part of an ongoing civil dispute between family members and did not realize it was still reported stolen.

The Jefferson County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office has charged Hubbard with one count of first-degree tampering, a class D felony under Missouri law.

The above charges are mere accusation and not evidence of guilt. Evidence in support of the charges must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.

Paul Barnard Editor

Paul Barnard is the editor of the Twin City News. Barnard Graduated from Norwich University, America's oldest private military college, with a B.S. in Communications and Media Technology. There he studied journalism and marketing. For years after, Barnard was in law enforcement and gained experience in the Special Investigations Unit and publishing all the department's press releases. As Barnard's family grew, he moved on to start Twin City News.

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