Marina
Authorities have identified Curtis Lee Barton, a 40-year-old Arkansas man, as the primary suspect in a multi-state school burglary ring that hit 14 Missouri schools—including institutions in Cass and Bates Counties—and two in Iowa over the last three months.
Barton, who was previously convicted for similar crimes in 2017 and 2018, was recently arrested and is now facing potential federal charges.
How the Investigation Unfolded
A series of burglaries in rural school districts triggered a coordinated investigation by law enforcement agencies across Missouri, Iowa, and Arkansas. The crimes shared striking similarities, including:
- Occurrence in remote or less-populated areas
- Theft of cash, electronics, and computer components
- Attempts to disable surveillance systems
Investigators traced the pattern back to Curtis Lee Barton, who was on parole for prior school burglaries.
Schools Targeted and Crime Pattern
| Date | Location | County | Incident Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 16 | Ballard K-12 School | Bates County | Cash stolen, cameras disabled, computer components taken |
| April 12 | Sherwood-Cass R-VIII School | Cass County | Break-in confirmed, details pending release |
| Feb – Apr 2025 | 12 more schools in Missouri | Multiple Counties | Similar method: entry, theft of valuables, tech tampering |
| Feb 2025 | 2 schools in Iowa | Wapello County | $4,000 in cash stolen from one location |
How Barton Operated
According to Bates County Sheriff’s Office and Wapello County authorities, Barton targeted rural schools to reduce the chance of being noticed or quickly apprehended.
He was captured on surveillance footage in Ballard on March 16, wearing a mask and gloves, and seen attempting to shut off surveillance systems through access to the school’s server room.
Authorities described him as methodical and “well-prepared,” often disabling alarm and lighting systems to delay discovery.
“We thought it was an inside job… we’re in the middle of nowhere,” said Ballard resident Sarah Bogart.
Arrest and Charges
Barton was arrested during a joint operation on April 29 at his home in Little Rock, Arkansas by:
- Wapello County deputies
- Arkansas State Police
- Lewis County, MO Sheriff’s Office
He is being held on a $100,000 cash-only bond, and extradition to Missouri was approved on May 1.
Authorities also found digital evidence linking Barton to the Ballard School break-in, and officials are currently exploring federal charges due to the multi-state nature of the crimes.
More Than Just Property Crime
What makes this crime particularly disturbing is the impact on school communities. In many instances, Barton stole money from fundraisers, including those for Special Olympics and student programs.
“You reach a certain level when you’re stealing from schools,” said Sheriff Don Phillips, emphasizing the moral breach in addition to the legal one.
Additional burglaries involving small businesses in Missouri and Iowa are also under review in connection with Barton.
Community Response
Despite the trauma and financial damage, affected communities like Ballard remain resilient.
“We’re a small community but we’re strong, and he’s going to get what he deserves,” added Bogart.
The arrest of Curtis Lee Barton brings hope for justice to the schools and communities affected by his alleged crimes.
With schools often stretched thin on resources, thefts like these can have long-lasting impacts on education, student safety, and community morale.
As legal proceedings continue, more charges may follow, and school districts are urged to review and upgrade their security protocols to prevent future incidents.