Ellington father, son free after being charged with stealing trees

ELLINGTON, Mo. -- Father and son loggers from Ellington are free on bond after being charged earlier this month with stealing nearly 440 trees in 2011.

Lonnie L. Cowin, 49, and his son, Levi John Cowin, 27, were charged with felony stealing.

According to Reynolds County deputy Burl Campbell's probable-cause affidavit, the Cowins "entered upon real property belonging to Randy Jensen and removed 439 trees … valued at $104,439.50."

Levi Cowin reportedly owns Cowin Logging, where his father is employed.

The Cowins, whose bond was originally $25,000 cash, are free after posting a $5,000 cash or professional surety bond.

They are to appear at 9 a.m. March 21 before Associate Circuit Judge Edith Rutter for bond appearance hearings.

Pertinent address:

Ellington, MO