Deputies Search for Second Porch Pirate Suspect

Matthew T. Robinson, 41, of Excelsior Springs

The Clay County Sheriff’s Office is requesting the public’s assistance to locate the second suspect in a string of Northland package thefts that took place over the Thanksgiving holidays and the weekend that followed.

Matthew T. Robinson, 41, of Excelsior Springs has now been charged with one count of felony theft and one count of felony possession of a controlled substance in the case. These are the same charges faced by his accomplice, 24-year-old Kayley Worthington. She was arrested Monday and remains in custody. Robinson has numerous other warrants for his arrest, as well.

24-year-old Kayley Worthington

After seeing multiple reports on social media last week of packages being stolen in Liberty, Smithville, and Kansas City, North, Sheriff’s Office investigators began collaborating with police departments in those cities and working to identify the thieves. Their investigation led them to a home in Excelsior Springs early Monday evening, where they located Worthington and took her into custody. Robinson was at the home but managed to escape. Deputies served a search warrant at the house and recovered 51 stolen items, as well as methamphetamine.

Detectives have now identified 12 victims, but many of the stolen items remain unclaimed. Clay County residents who had a package stolen last week are urged to make a report with their local police department.

If you know where Matthew Robinson is, please call the TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS (8477). You can remain anonymous and get a cash reward.

KPGZ News – Clay County Sheriff’s Office.

Man Arrested After Breaking into Woman’s Home

A man is in jail today after allegedly breaking into an elderly woman’s home, stealing a handgun, and leaving his pants and ID behind before fleeing the scene.

31-year-old Jordan Blake

The Clay County Sheriff's Office received a report of a break-in around 4 am on November 28. An 81-year-old woman woke up to the smell of smoke and as she looked around she saw unknown bag. She then called the Sheriff’s Office to report the incident.

The woman grabbed her handgun and found a man armed with a knife in her home. The man was identified as 31-year-old Jordan Blake.

Blake allegedly took her gun and left the knife. The woman locked herself in another room. When Blake tried to get into the room, the woman was able to fight him off and he fled.

When deputies arrived at the home they found a burned rug, the knife and Blake’s pants with his wallet, ID, cell phone and drug pipe. Deputies arrested Blake at his home where they found the woman’s handgun.

The only injuries the woman suffered was a hurt shoulder.

Blake is being held in the Clay County Detention Center on a $200,000 bond. He has been charged with first-degree burglary, armed criminal action, knowingly burning, and stealing a firearm.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Porch Pirate Charged with Felony Theft

An Excelsior Springs woman was caught on a front door camera stealing a package from a residence in Liberty over the weekend. When the picture was posted to social media, many other victims came forward to report the same crime.

24 year-old Kayley Worthington of Excelsior Springs is now in jail and charged with one count of felony theft and one count of felony possession of a controlled substance.

Sheriff’s Office investigators began collaborating with Liberty, Smithville, and Kansas City, North, police departments after seeing multiple reports on social media of packages being stolen.

The multi-agency investigation led deputies to a home in Excelsior Springs early Monday evening. They were able to locate Worthington there and took her into custody. Deputies served a search warrant at the house and recovered 51 stolen items, as well as methamphetamine.

“Worthington is being held in the Clay County Detention Center on a $20,000 bond,” reads a Clay Country Sheriff’s Office release. “If she posts bond, one of the conditions of her bond is that she may not be within 100 feet of anyone’s porch other than her own.”

So far nine victims have come forward. Clay County investigators encourage residents who had a package stolen Nov. 29 – Dec. 1 and have not yet filed a police report to do so. Additional charges against additional suspects are possible.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Traffic Crashes Decreased This Thanksgiving Holiday

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports four people died in traffic crashes during this year’s Thanksgiving holiday counting period. There were no boating crashes or drownings.

During the Thanksgiving holiday counting period, the Highway Patrol responded to 362 crashes that included 120 injuries and four fatalities. Troopers also made 106 driving while intoxicated arrests.

The counting period started at 6 pm, Wednesday, November 27, and ended at 11:59 pm, Sunday, December 1.

Over the 2023 Thanksgiving holiday counting period, troopers investigated 431 traffic crashes, which included four fatalities and 138 injuries. Statewide, nine people died and 483 people were injured in 1,342 traffic crashes over last year’s Thanksgiving holiday. Troopers arrested 103 people for driving while intoxicated during the 2023 Thanksgiving holiday counting period.

There were zero boating crashes, zero boating fatalities, zero drownings, and zero boating while intoxicated arrests reported during the 2024 Thanksgiving holiday counting period.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

City Begins Transfer of Waste Services

The City of Kearney has begun rolling out information about the new trash and recycling contractor, Redgate Disposal. Redgate services will begin in January 2025.

According to city sources here is the timeline of the transition from Republic to Redgate trash services:

12/9/2024 through 12/20/2024: Redgate will begin to deliver new bins to homes during this period. Do not use these bins until January.

Week of 12/30/2024: Current trash company Republic will complete its last pick-up of trash and recycling. Your current Republic bins will be collected at this time.

Week of 1/6/2025: Redgate will begin its first pick-up of trash and recycling in the new Redgate bins.

The city has provided THIS MAP for homeowners to find their trash collection day.

Watch the city’s social media pages for new information or updates. If you have questions, email cityhall@kearneymo.us.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.