VAN BUREN — A federal grand jury has indicted someone in an arson case that destroyed a visitor center and historic items in the Ozark National Scenic Riverways.
Marvin “Mark” Remster, 39, of Davisville, Missouri, was indicted March 1 for the Dec. 26, 2021, incident, which destroyed the Round Spring Visitor Contact Station.
He is charged with the felony offenses of arson, burglary, theft of government property, and felon-in-possession of a firearm, according to a press release from the Ozark National Scenic Riverways. The arson charge is punishable by imprisonment for up to 20 years in prison.
The investigation remains ongoing, according to authorities.
The charges stem from a reported fire at the Round Spring Visitor Contact Station. National Park Service law enforcement rangers responded to the scene and observed the building was engulfed in flames, according to reports.
Local firefighters from Timber and Eminence extinguished the blaze, but the building was a total loss.
During fire suppression efforts, it was determined that a 2011 Chevrolet Silverado pickup belonging to the NPS had been stolen from the parking lot, authorities report. Evidence at the scene indicated the fire was incendiary in nature they say and a joint criminal investigation was undertaken by NPS law enforcement rangers and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives.
Information was later received from the Shannon County Sheriff, other cooperating law enforcement agencies and members of the public leading to several search warrants that were executed at locations in the surrounding area. NPS and ATF investigators were able to recover evidence that may assist other local agencies with solving recent crimes, they said.
“We are grateful to members of the public who came forward to provide information, as well as other local agencies who contributed to the investigation, especially the Missouri State Fire Marshal’s Office, the Missouri Department of Conservation, the Missouri (State) Highway Patrol, and the respective sheriff’s offices in Dent, Shannon and Reynolds counties,” said Superintendent Jason Lott. “Our law enforcement rangers at Ozark National Scenic Riverways are dedicated to promoting a safe environment for park visitors, staff and partners, and appreciate the cooperative efforts of other local agencies that help us accomplish that goal.”
The loss of the Round Spring Visitor Contact Station and the stolen government vehicle are substantial losses, according to NPS, however, what cannot be measured is the loss of park historical items associated with the structure. Planning is underway for both temporary and long-term replacements for the visitor contact station to minimize the impact of the crime on park visitors.
Charges set forth are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.