Local missing insurance agent found, arresteed

Independent insurance broker John W. Simpson, reported by family members to be missing since May 31, was found in a Springfield area barn July 2 and arrested for possession of a controlled substance and receiving stolen property.

Simpson operated an insurance company out of an office at 1031 E. Battlefield and had policies with several downtown entertainment businesses like the Bar Next Door, the Juke Joint, the Outland and the High Life Lounge.

It was shortly after his disappearance that some clients found that Simpson had allegedly been keeping insurance premium payments without issuing the policies.

Springfield police found Simpson in the barn, located on the 3600 block of East Gasconade, after the property owner reported an unfamiliar lock on the gate to the property, said Kurt Manlove, public information officer for the Springfield police department.

Inside the barn, officers found Simpson, his truck, food and camping supplies, as well as an Isuzu Trooper belonging to a relative of the property owner. Simpson was also in possession of an undisclosed amount of marijuana.

Juke Joint co-owner Scott Dickinson said his business had liability and property insurance through Simpson.

"He (Simpson) also insured our events outside of the Juke Joint," Dickinson said. His business has helped organize music events at other venues, including Remington's in south Springfield.

After Simpson's disappearance, Dickinson said Simpson's father, John A. Simpson, stepped in to "try and keep things going.

"It was then that we found out that we hadn't had insurance for the past eight months," Dickinson said. "I was completely shocked."

Dickinson also alleged that Simpson had faxed false records of insurance to him over the eight-month period.

John A. Simpson refused comment.

According to the state Department of Insurance, several complaints have recently been filed against John W. Simpson.

"The first [complaint] was filed June 7 and I have been advised that more are coming," said department spokesperson Randy McConnell. Since the case is under investigation, McConnell said he could not comment on specifics.

Manlove said prosecution against Simpson will move forward in regards to stolen property and controlled substance charges but there were no plans to file fraud charges. Simpson was released after approximately 20 hours in the city jail.

"We are happy to investigate this (fraud)," Manlove said. "We just need someone to call us, file a report and be willing to prosecute."