Arrest made after theft of vehicle
Photo courtesy of Texas County Sheriff’s Department
Leah Maltsberger
Sgt. Brian Allgire, Licking Police Department
On May 19, 2025, at approximately 9:08 p.m., a Licking police officer responded to a Texas County 911 dispatch of a stolen red 2019 Volkswagen Jetta. While speaking with the victim, the officer was notified of an accident on Deer Lick Street in which the stolen vehicle had struck a power pole.
Upon arriving at the scene, the officer detected a strong odor of alcohol while speaking with the driver. The driver, identified as Leah Maltsberger, age 18, of Licking, Missouri, was taken into custody and transported to the Texas County Jail.
Maltsberger was arrested and is facing multiple charges, including Tampering with Motor Vehicle-1st Degree – Felony, Resisting Arrest – Felony, Driving while Intoxicated – Misdemeanor, and Operating a Vehicle without Valid License – Misdemeanor.
A Probable Cause Affidavit was sent to the Texas County Prosecutor’s Office seeking formal charges.
The above information is just mere accusations and is not evidence of guilt. Evidence in support of any charges must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
