Jess Rush is on parole after receiving a life sentence for the kidnapping and murder of Trudy Darby in Camden County in 1991.
Detectives with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office worked diligently to apply for a search warrant for Jess Rush’s residence and contacted Probation and Parole with the new violation. The search warrant was granted by the court. An arrest warrant was also issued.
Lt. Billy Simpson and Sheriff Danny Morrison were conducting surveillance on the residence on Friday, Oct. 6, when Sheriff Morrison observed Jess Rush drive past his location, southbound on Mo. 83 north of Bolivar. Sheriff Morrison conducted a traffic stop at the intersection of Mo. 83 and East 380th Road. Lt. Simpson and Sheriff Morrison were able to take Jess Rush into custody without incident.
A handgun and rifle were recovered from his residence and vehicle during the execution of the search warrant.
Jess Rush was booked into the Polk County Jail then transported back to the Department of Corrections.
“The citizens of Polk County are safer today because Jess Rush is again behind bars where he belongs,” Sheriff Morrison said. “A monster like him should never be granted the freedom to live among us. We hope his arrest gives some comfort and relief to the Darby family.”
