Licking teen facing multiple theft and other charges

Faun Eugene Jackson, IV, age 19, of Licking, was arrested on Thursday, July 23, 2026, and faces multiple charges brought by three different law enforcement agencies.

Between July 12 and July 22, 2026, the Licking Police Department investigated several reports involving vehicles that had been unlawfully entered and property stolen from them at various locations throughout the City of Licking. During the course of the investigation, officers obtained surveillance video from a local business that led to the identification of the suspect as Faun Jackson IV.

During a custodial interview of Jackson, he admitted to his involvement in multiple vehicle break-ins and thefts and voluntarily surrendered a large portion of the stolen items, which were returned to their rightful owners. While returning the recovered property, officers learned that several items were still outstanding.

On July 23, 2026, a multi-agency investigation involving the Licking Police Department (LPD), Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) and Texas County Sheriff’s Office (TCSO) was conducted following a report of a stolen vehicle and two separate motor vehicle crashes that occurred just south of the city limits of Licking. Jackson was identified as the suspect in the theft of a 2001 Jeep and a firearm from a residence on Highway BB, south of Licking, and a 2023 Buick Encore in Licking. Jackson was taken into custody at 10:14 a.m. and was transported to the Texas County Jail. The firearm was recovered.

A search warrant was obtained and executed by the Licking Police Department at Jackson’s residence, and the remaining stolen property from the earlier theft investigations was recovered and returned to the rightful owners. Also seized were two plastic bags containing a crystal-like substance that field-tested positive for methamphetamine, a glass smoking device with residue, and a plastic straw with residue, all of which are being submitted for laboratory analysis.

The Licking Police Department will submit a Probable Cause Affidavit to the Texas County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office requesting charges for offenses that occurred within the City of Licking: five counts of tampering with a motor vehicle-first degree, four counts of stealing, one count of possession of a controlled substance and one count of possession of drug paraphernalia.

The Texas County Sheriff’s Office has submitted a probable cause statement seeking charges for two counts of stealing a motor vehicle, two counts of tampering with a motor vehicle, stealing a firearm and property damage.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol is seeking charges related to both traffic crashes: two counts of felony leaving the scene of a crash, careless and imprudent driving resulting in a crash, failing to stop at a stop sign, two counts of no valid driver’s license, no insurance, two counts of no seatbelt, lane violation, and speeding.

In addition to those charges, a warrant was served to Jackson the day after his arrest related to a theft that occurred at the beginning of May. On May 2, a Licking man reported an electric motorcycle had been stolen from his residence on South Main Street. The motorcycle was located and Jackson was identified as a suspect. A probable cause statement indicates Jackson admitted to selling the motorcycle and was unable to provide a credible account of how he came to be in possession of it. Charges of stealing – $750 or more are being sought related to that theft.

Jackson pled guilty to misdemeanor stealing in July 2025 and paid a fine of $100 plus court costs related to the theft of a lawnmower in Licking.

Licking Police Chief Pat Burton stated that these investigations remain active, and additional charges may be sought as further evidence is developed.

“The Licking Police Department would like to thank the Texas County Sheriff’s Department and the Missouri State Highway Patrol for their assistance and cooperation throughout this investigation,” stated Chief Burton. “The collaborative efforts of all agencies involved were instrumental in bringing these cases to a successful resolution.”

The charges referenced are allegations only. A criminal charge is merely an accusation, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Editor’s Note: A press release from Licking Police Chief Pat Burton, information from Texas County Sheriff Scott Lindsey, and information from Missouri State Highway Patrol arrest reports are included in this account.