Man accused of stealing timber from federal property

There’s nothing wrong with cutting and selling timber for a living – but you’re not supposed to cut the trees on federal property without permission.

Justin Lee Massey, 39, was charged in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Springfield.

The indictment, revealed earlier this month, alleges that Massey stole timber from federal property in Howell County, Mo., between Dec. 15, 2020, and Jan. 20, 2021.

The indictment also includes a forfeiture allegation, which would require Massey to forfeit to the government any property obtained from the alleged violation, including a money judgment of $30,000.

The charge contained in this indictment is simply an accusation, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charge must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Carney. It was investigated by the U.S. Forestry Service.