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Washington County MO Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, 102 North Missouri Street, Second Floor, Potosi, MO (2026)

03/13/2026

WASHINGTON COUNTY
Prosecuting Attorney's Office

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, March 13, 2026

Potosi Correctional Center Inmate Sentenced to 15 Years in the Missouri Department of Corrections for Voluntary Manslaughter

Washington County, MO - On Monday, March 2, 2026, Offender Isreal Leggette was sentenced in the 2023 murder of Joshua Cosby at the Potosi Correctional Center. After consultation with the victim's family, a plea offer for Voluntary Manslaughter, a Class B Felony, was extended, and Leggette entered a plea of guilty. Sentencing was argued in front of the Honorable Judge Brice Sechrest.

During sentencing, the victim's mother spoke of her faith in the Lord and of her forgiveness for Leggette and the role that he played in the death of her son. The victim's father struggled to understand just why Leggette would have brutalized his son in such a way. Joshua was deeply loved by his family and had a vision for his future. In the wake of her son's death, Mrs. Cosby started the nonprofit program "IKINJ" (I Know I Need Jesus). She hopes that Offender Leggette may come to know Jesus.

First Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Brad Van Zee who argued sentencing in this case expressed how blessed he was to have met the Cosby family and marveled over the grace they displayed in forgiving Leggette. Prosecutor Van Zee described Offender Leggette as a "feral animal" and emphasized the importance of keeping him separate from society as a matter of public safety.

Judge Brice Sechrest sentenced Leggette to 15 years in the Missouri Department of Corrections to run consecutively with the current sentence that he is obligated to serve. Prosecuting Attorney John I. Jones and Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Brad Van Zee would like to commend the victim's family for their mercy in this matter and Investigator Cindy House of the Office of Professional Standards in the Missouri Department of Corrections for her diligent work investigating this case.

The Washington County Prosecuting Attorney's Office remains dedicated to seeking justice and standing for those who have been victimized in our community.

03/13/2026

WASHINGTON COUNTY
Prosecuting Attorney's Office

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, March 13, 2026

Richwoods Man Sentenced In 2024 Crash That Claimed the Lives of Two Children, Left One Paralyzed

Washington County, MO - On Monday, March 2, 2026, Zachary Wideman of Richwoods, Missouri was sentenced in the 2024 car accident that claimed the lives of two children (6 and 10 years old), paralyzed a third child (8 years old), and seriously injured a fourth child (7 years old). The crash occurred when Wideman failed to negotiate a curve, running his SUV off the roadway and into a tree. After an investigation by the Missouri State Highway Patrol, it was determined that Wideman had been distracted by his cell phone at the time of the accident, and that the children were improperly restrained.

Wideman faced up to 22 years in prison after pleading guilty to two counts of 1st Degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child and two counts of 2nd Degree Involuntary Manslaughter. The victims' families addressed the Honorable Judge Brice Sechrest, describing the absolute devastation felt by those who had lost their children so young. Prosecuting Attorney John I. Jones, IV requested significant prison time, stating Wideman must be held accountable for failing to protect the children in his care.

The Honorable Judge Brice Sechrest sentenced Wideman to 22 years in the Missouri Department of Corrections with the stipulation that Wideman be eligible for consideration of supervised probation after 120 days. If released onto probation, Wideman must complete a Victim Impact Panel, Driver Improvement Program, and may not transport any children during his time on supervision.

Prosecuting Attorney John I. Jones, IV would like to remind the members of our community of the responsibility we hold when entrusted with the care of children. Missouri Child Passenger Safety Laws are designed to protect the most vulnerable, and the Siddens Bening Hands-Free Law took effect in 2023. Under this law, drivers are prohibited from physically holding or supporting a cell phone, manually typing, writing, sending or reading text messages, recording, posting, sending or broadcasting videos, and watching videos or movies.

Car crashes continue to be a leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 13 years of age in the United States. Prosecutor John I. Jones, IV is dedicated to holding those accountable who fail to protect children in their care. The Washington County Prosecuting Attorney's Office is grateful to the Missouri State Highway Patrol who responded to and investigated this horrific accident. Without their dedicated work, there would be no justice for the child victims and their families.

02/07/2026

WASHINGTON COUNTY
Prosecuting Attorney's Office

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, February 6, 2026

Inmate Found Guilty by Jury of Attempted 1st Degree Murder of Unborn Child, Violence to DOC Employee

Washington County, MO - In November of 2022, Offender Bibby attacked a Potosi Correctional Center staff member who was 17 weeks pregnant. Washington County Prosecuting Attorney John I. Jones, IV, charged Bibby with the felonies of Attempted Murder in the 1st Degree of the staff member's unborn baby and Violence to an Employee of the Department of Corrections against the mother.

On February 5, 2026, Bibby's jury trial was held in the Washington County Circuit Court. The jury heard testimony from the victim and the custody staff who responded to her aid, detailing how Bibby crawled up behind the adult victim while her back was turned, dragged her to the ground, then got on top of her and struck her in the stomach repeatedly.

Witnesses recounted how Bibby made statements during and after the attack confirming he intended to kill the unborn child, including one custody staff member who heard Bibby state loudly immediately after the attack that he had "killed that [expletive]'s [expletive]ing baby". The jury also saw video footage of the attack.

The jury took 33 minutes to reach unanimous guilty verdicts on both counts.

"The worst predators seek to harm women and children, and this defendant targeted both in a single attack," says Jones. "I'm thankful that both mother and baby were safe and healthy after the attack, but there is no excuse for what this defendant did. The mother and PCC staff who intervened swiftly to stop the assault deserve medals for their tenacity and decisive action protecting mother and child.

"I'm also thankful the jury saw this for what it was—a calculated, savage attack against an innocent baby and hardworking mother.

"My office will always work tirelessly to enforce the law and to protect the innocent. It was an honor to try this case, and I couldn't have done so without the adult victim, the witnesses, the institutional investigator, or the jurors who sacrificed their time and care to see this case through the finish line."

Sentencing in this case is set for April 20, 2026, before the Honorable Wendy Wexler-Horn. Bibby, a persistent felony offender, faces up to 60 years in prison.

11/03/2025

WASHINGTON COUNTY
Prosecuting Attorney's Office

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 3, 2025

Farmington, MO Man Sentenced to 18 Years' Imprisonment for Sexual Abuse, In**st

In August of 2025, Tony Boekemier of Farmington, Missouri pled guilty to 1 count of 1st degree s*xual abuse, a class B felony, and 1 count of in**st, a class E felony, stemming from an assault that took place in 2019. Boekemier's sentencing hearing was held on October 17, 2025. Following argument by Prosecuting Attorney John Jones and a victim impact statement by the victim, a disabled person who was a relative of Boekemier, the defendant was sentenced by the Honorable Judge Wendy Wexler-Horn to 18 years in the Missouri Department of Corrections.

"The victim in this case endured the worst kind of abuse from her family member, and I was impressed with her tenacity and courage in the course of this prosecution," said Jones. "Her victim impact statement really seemed to move everyone in the courtroom except the defendant, and his continuing denials despite an earlier confession and DNA evidence did not help him in the end.

"Judge Horn did right by giving the defendant the maximum sentence. Men who would prey on vulnerable and disabled people in this manner have no place in our society."

Prosecuting Attorney John I. Jones, IV, credits the dedicated work by officers Smith, Miller, and Bullock of the Farmington Police Department, Dr. Patrick Oruwari of Potosi, Dr. Jeanne Kornhardt of Farmington, R.N. Mary Ferris of BJC Health Care Center, and Criminalist Nikki Bates of the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

The Washington County Prosecuting Attorney's Office remains dedicated to protecting victims and enforcing the law.

10/10/2025

Washington County
Prosecuting Attorney's Office

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, October 10, 2025

Cadet, MO Man Found Guilty by Jury on 3 Felony Counts, Sentenced to Life in Prison

Potosi, Missouri - Stewart Granger of Cadet, Missouri was convicted of three felony s*x crimes against a child under twelve years of age following a 2-day jury trial held in Farmington on October 2-3, 2025. Washington County Prosecutor John I. Jones, IV prosecuted the case against Granger, which ended with Granger's jury conviction of two counts of so**my in the first degree and one count of attempted so**my in the first degree against a child under twelve.

Jones presented testimony from the child victim, a juvenile relative of the victim, Detective Ashley Ball, and Cara Christanell, a forensic medical examiner involved in the case. Following closing arguments, the jury took just over 2 hours to find the defendant guilty on all 3 counts. After delivering the verdict, the jury deliberated briefly on Granger's punishment before setting his sentence at three terms of life imprisonment.

"I'm grateful the jury saw through the defense's attacks and listened to the child victim in this case," said Prosecuting Attorney John Jones. "It took immense bravery for our victim to stand up and confront the defendant, and I think the jury could see the truth in the victim's testimony. If not for that brave child and the professionals who documented all the evidence, the defendant would never have faced justice. Child s*x abuse is an almost unspeakable evil, and it took real courage for the child to speak about what they endured. My office will always stand with victims to hold predators accountable and to enforce the law."

The Washington County Prosecuting Attorney's Office would like to thank the victim and the victim's family, Detective Ashley Ball, Nurse Practitioner Cara Christanell, the Children's Advocacy Center of Southeast Missouri, and the jurors. Our justice system would not function if not for the sacrifices of victims, investigators, forensic professionals, and the ordinary citizens who sacrifice their time and attention to serve as jurors.

The Washington County Prosecuting Attorney's Office remains dedicated to protecting the citizens of Washington County by enforcing the law.

10/06/2025

WASHINGTON COUNTY
Prosecuting Attorney's Office

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, October 6, 2025

Sullivan, MO Man Found Guilty by Jury on 4 Felony Counts, Sentenced to 31 Years in the Missouri Department of Corrections

Washington County, MO - On Tuesday, June 24, 2025, Cody Lee Hunt of Sullivan, MO was found guilty by a jury on the following felonies: Abandonment of a Co**se, Knowingly Burning or Exploding, Tampering with Physical Evidence in a Felony Prosecution, and Tampering with a Motor Vehicle.

Hunt faced sentencing on Monday, September 15, 2025, in front of the Honorable Judge Wendy Wexler-Horn. Prior to sentencing, the victim's daughter addressed the court, describing her father as her "best friend." She spoke of the heartbreak that she had endured, stating Mr. Hunt had deprived her of the ability to properly grieve her father.

Prosecuting Attorney John I. Jones, IV addressed the court, requesting the maximum possible sentence for Mr. Hunt's crimes which he described as a "shocking disgrace." The Honorable Judge Wendy Wexler-Horn heard arguments from both the defense and prosecution, and ultimately sentenced Cody Lee Hunt to serve 31 years in the Missouri Department of Corrections.

The Washington County Prosecutor's Office would like to thank the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Sullivan Police Department, Medical Examiner's Office, Division of Drug and Crime Control, State Fire Marshal's Office, Potosi Police Department, and the Washington County Sheriff's Office for their diligence and dedication to protecting this community. We appreciate the service of all the jurors who, in a collaborative effort, brought a measure of justice to the victim and his family.

09/12/2025

WASHINGTON COUNTY
Prosecuting Attorney's Office

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, September 12, 2025

Bismark, MO Man Found Guilty by Jury on 5 Felony Counts, Sentenced to 18 Years in the Missouri Department of Corrections

Washington County, MO -
On Wednesday, June 25, 2025, Gary Turner of Bismarck, MO was found guilty by a jury on 5 felony counts: Stealing - Motor Vehicle (2 counts), Stealing - $750 or more, Burglary 2nd Degree, and Resisting Arrest by Fleeing.

Turner faced sentencing on Monday, September 8, 2025, in front of the Honorable Judge Brice Sechrest. The out-of-state victim flew to Missouri to attend the hearing and addressed the court prior to sentencing. They spoke of the financial and emotional toll that this incident has had on their family, and credited Washington County Sheriff's Office deputies for their quick action in capturing the suspects.

Prosecuting Attorney John I. Jones, IV addressed the court, emphasizing the value of property and privacy - 2 rights that should never be violated. The Honorable Judge Brice Sechrest sentenced the defendant to serve 18 years in the Missouri Department of Corrections.

The Washington County Prosecuting Attorney's Office would like to thank the victims for their extraordinary cooperation, the responding deputies of the Washington County Sheriff's Office for their tenacity in apprehending Mr. Turner, and the jury for upholding justice in this case. This office remains dedicated to holding those responsible who prey on our community.

08/22/2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, August 22, 2025

Potosi, MO – A Fayetteville, NC man has been charged by felony complaint in the Associate Circuit Court of Washington County with 1 count of second-degree statutory r**e and 2 counts of second-degree statutory so**my.

On Sunday, August 17, 2025, the Potosi Police Department made an arrest in connection with an out-of-state male traveling to Potosi, MO to engage in s*xual in*******se with a juvenile victim.

On Monday, August 18, 2025, Washington County Prosecutor John I. Jones, IV charged Ronald Clayton May Jr., age 29, with Statutory R**e in the 2nd degree and 2 counts of Statutory So**my in the 2nd degree. This is an ongoing multi-jurisdictional investigation, and May is currently being held on a no bond warrant.

The Washington County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office would like to thank the Potosi Police
Department for their diligent work and dedication to keeping the youth in our community safe.

The charges contained in this Complaint are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt.
Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or

06/13/2025

We are currently seeking applicants for the position of Assistant Prosecuting Attorney. This position is expected to start in early July. Duties include initiating and litigating criminal prosecutions, and will involve a lot of trial work. Washington County is a high-volume rural jurisdiction with many opportunities for jury trial experience. Previous trial experience is preferred. Law students expecting to take and pass the July bar exam may apply with a Rule 13 certificate and relevant internship experience.
The successful applicant will be self-motivated, eager to deliver justice and public safety, and able to balance strong preparation with flexibility and ability to think on his or her feet. This office is victim-centered and will offer the successful candidate extensive opportunities to intervene in bad situations to make things better for the law-abiding public.
Salary is competitive with state prosecuting attorney office rates throughout Missouri and is negotiable based on experience. Assistant Prosecuting Attorneys are Washington County employees and accrue benefits including subsidized health insurance, paid holidays in accordance with the State of Missouri holiday calendar, paid sick leave and vacation time, life insurance, and participation in a CERF retirement plan.
If you'd like to apply, please send a cover letter and resume with references to [email protected]. The Washington County PA Office is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

06/13/2025

We are currently seeking applicants for administrative support staff in the Washington County PA office. This position is expected to start in early August. Duties include phone, email, and in-person receptionist duties; input of information into case management software; coordinating between the office and victims, witnesses, court staff, and attorneys; and other duties as assigned. Successful applicants will be able to provide excellent communication to victims and the public, work well in a team environment, and be capable of working with sensitive matters and information with great care.
Pay starts at a rate of approximately $16.39/hr. Administrative staff are Washington County employees and accrue benefits including subsidized health insurance, paid holidays in accordance with the State of Missouri holiday calendar, paid sick leave and vacation time, life insurance, and participation in a CERF retirement plan.
If you'd like to apply, please send a cover letter and resume with references to [email protected]. The Washington County PA Office is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

05/16/2025

The Washington County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office will be closed the rest of today, Friday, May 16, on account of bad weather.

Washington County MO Prosecuting Attorney’s Office

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