What are the opening hours?

Monday 8am - 4pm Tuesday 8am - 4pm Wednesday 8am - 4pm Thursday 8am - 4pm Friday 8am - 4pm

https://www.facebook.com/105821515755611/

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

09/15/2026

OFFICE OF THE PROSECUTING ATTORNEY
Washington County, Missouri
John I. Jones, IV, Prosecuting Attorney
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 15, 2026
Contact: Melissa Cooper, Press Liaison · 573-438-6111 · [email protected]
Sullivan Man Sentenced to 17 Years in Prison in the Death of His Disabled Adult
Son
POTOSI, Mo. — Lawrence A. Riehl, 62, of Sullivan, was sentenced on September 14, 2026, to a total of
17 years in the Missouri Department of Corrections after pleading guilty to charges arising from the death
of his adult son, who had a severe disability and depended on others for his daily care. Circuit Judge Brice
Sechrest accepted the plea and imposed sentence the same day in the Circuit Court of Washington
County.
Riehl entered an Alford plea to involuntary manslaughter in the first degree, a class C felony; domestic
assault in the second degree, a class D felony; and abuse of a person with a disability, a class A
misdemeanor. Under an Alford plea, a defendant does not admit the underlying facts but acknowledges
that the evidence is sufficient to convict; the conviction and sentence are the same as on any plea of
guilty.
Judge Sechrest sentenced Riehl to ten years on the involuntary manslaughter count and seven years on the
domestic assault count, ordered to run consecutively, for a total of 17 years to serve. The court imposed a
concurrent one-year sentence on the misdemeanor count. The felony sentences are the maximum terms
authorized by law for those offenses.
The charges arose from the death of Riehl’s 21-year-old son, who was found deceased at the family’s
Washington County home on March 26, 2025. The victim, who was severely disabled and non-verbal,
died as a result of prolonged and inadequate nutrition and care. Medical providers had advised in March
2024 that the victim was suffering from severe weight loss and muscle wasting caused by inadequate
nutrition. Consistent with the treatment of vulnerable victims, the victim is not identified by name.
Riehl was originally charged with murder in the second degree and abuse of a person with a disability.
Following review of the evidence, including the medical and autopsy findings, the State amended the
charges to those to which Riehl ultimately pleaded guilty.
“This was a tragic case involving the death of a vulnerable young man who relied on others for his most
basic needs,” said John I. Jones, IV, Prosecuting Attorney for Washington County. “No sentence can
restore what was lost, but this outcome brings the case to a just and appropriate conclusion.”
The Prosecuting Attorney’s Office thanks the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and the Department of
Health and Senior Services for their thorough investigation of this case, and the Washington County
Coroner for his invaluable assistance.
The case was prosecuted by Washington County Prosecuting Attorney John I. Jones, IV. Case No.
25WA-CR00309-01.

09/15/2026

OFFICE OF THE PROSECUTING ATTORNEY
Washington County, Missouri
John I. Jones, IV, Prosecuting Attorney
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 15, 2026
Contact: Melissa Cooper, Press Liaison · 573-438-6111 · [email protected]
Washington County Jury Convicts Man of Eight Counts of
Statutory So**my in the First Degree
POTOSI, Mo. — A Washington County jury has found Phillip A. Emily, 51, guilty of eight counts of
statutory so**my in the first degree, an unclassified felony, following a two-day jury trial held September
10–11, 2026, before Circuit Judge Wendy Wexler-Horn. The jury returned its verdicts on September 11,
2026, after hearing evidence over two days and deliberating for 55 minutes.
The charges arose from the s*xual abuse of a child who was younger than twelve years of age at the time
of the offenses. Consistent with Missouri law protecting the privacy of victims of s*xual offenses, the
victim is not identified.
Statutory so**my in the first degree is an unclassified felony. Because the victim was a child younger
than twelve, each count carries a range of punishment range between 10 years up to life imprisonment,
and is a “dangerous felony” under Missouri law requiring service of at least 85% of any sentence
imposed. Sentencing is scheduled for November 23, 2026 before Circuit Judge Horn.
“Child s*xual abuse is among the most serious offenses this office prosecutes, and the harm it causes a
child can last a lifetime,” said John I. Jones, IV, Prosecuting Attorney for Washington County. “Our
office will always stand with victims and will hold those who abuse children accountable. The young
victim in this case showed remarkable courage, and this verdict would not have been possible without her
perseverance.”
The Prosecuting Attorney’s Office expresses its gratitude to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, the
Child Advocacy Center of East Central Missouri, and the Missouri Children’s Division, whose thorough
and professional investigation was essential to this result. The Office also thanks the Criminal Appeals
Section of the Attorney General’s office, whose contributions enabled justice to proceed in this case.
The case was prosecuted by Washington County Prosecuting Attorney John I. Jones, IV. Case No.
23WA-CR00260-02

08/07/2026

WASHINGTON COUNTY
Prosecuting Attorney's Office

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, August 7, 2026

Potosi, Mo Man Sentenced on 2 Felony Counts of Child S*x Crimes

Potosi, Missouri - On Monday, August 3, 2026, Anthony Michael White Sr. of Potosi, MO was sentenced in Circuit Court following his jury conviction in June 2026 of two s*x crimes against a child under twelve years of age. Sentencing was argued in front of the Honorable Judge Brice Sechrest.

During the sentencing hearing, Prosecutor John I. Jones, IV, argued that White had shown no remorse for his crimes, and recommended the maximum sentence. White's young victim read her victim impact statement to the court. The statement was in the form of a poem:

"Holidays, birthdays I can't even see you on my worst day. And even though you gave me my worst days, I'm still missing something I can t replace. I can't call my dad for advice. He never gave me any of his time. I don't even know what that feels like. I only see him when I write.
"I'm just hoping that he might hear this one day. And maybe then he might try. So used to this feeling now when I think about it I don't even cry. And now that I'm older my blood is getting colder because I see through all the lies.
"Now wake up, why couldn't you just wake up? And just take care of your kids cause you made us. You put us through so much it changed us. So, all that love was fake? All of them drugs were your thing? I saw that, and you were stuck on it. You were feeding, you kept wanting more of it.
"Forgot about us for some pills and needles. All of them drugs, they just made you so evil. Told you to stop. Told you didn't need them but you were attached, and you just couldn't leave them. With all of it said I don't care, you can keep them."

Judge Brice Sechrest sentenced White to life imprisonment for Statutory So**my and 4 years for In**st, to run consecutively. Prosecutor John I. Jones, IV, would like to thank retired detective Beverly Gillam of the Potosi Police Department for her dedicated work, and applauds the victim for the strength and courage it took to see this case through to its conclusion. "It took immense courage for the victim to confront White and tell what he did to her," said Jones. "I am thankful the jury was able to hear her clearly, and that White finally faces justice for what he's done."

The Washington County Prosecuting Attorney's Office remains dedicated to seeking justice for the children of Washington County who are victimized by these types of predators.

07/03/2026

WASHINGTON COUNTY
Prosecuting Attorney's Office

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, July 3, 2026

Steelville Man Charged with Felony Murder, 5 Other Felonies in Fatal Wrong-Way Crash on Route 8

POTOSI, Mo. - Washington County Prosecuting Attorney John I. Jones IV announced today that his office has filed felony charges against Jonathan Blake Ryan of Steelville, Missouri in connection with a June 12, 2026 head-on collision on Missouri Route 8, east of Pigeon Roost Road, that killed a 30-year-old woman and critically injured a 10-year-old child

Ryan is charged with six felony counts:
• Felony Murder in the Second Degree — a Class A felony;
• Assault in the Second Degree (two counts) — Class D felonies;
• Armed Criminal Action (two counts); and
• Operating a Motor Vehicle Without a Valid License, Third or Subsequent Offense
— a Class E felony.

According to the probable-cause statement filed by the Missouri State Highway Patrol, at about 5:07 p.m. on June 12, 2026, Ryan was driving a black Dodge Kam 2500 pickup truck and attempting to pass a line of traffic at a high rate of speed in a marked no-passing zone on Route 8. His truck crossed into the oncoming lane and struck a westbound Volkswagen Jetta head-on.

The charges are merely allegations. Every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

A word on safety this Fourth of July weekend
The Independence Day holiday is consistently one of the deadliest stretches of the year on Missouri's roads - and this case is a devastating reminder that a single reckless decision behind the wheel can end a life.

As families travel this weekend, try to remember:
• Slow down. Speed turns a mistake into a tragedy.
• Never pass where it isn't safe - no-passing zones and blind curves exist for a reason.
• Never drive impaired, and don't drive at all if you've lost the right to.
• Buckle up - every seat, every trip, and make sure every child is properly restrained.

The Prosecuting Attorney's Office thanks you all in advance for acting responsibly and safely as we celebrate our incredible nation's 250th birthday.

06/18/2026

PRESS RELEASE
Potosi, MO Man Found Guilty by Jury on 2 Felony Counts of Child S*x Crimes

Potosi, Missouri - Anthony Michael White, Sr. of Potosi, MO was convicted by a jury of two s*x crimes against a child under twelve years of age following a trial held in Circuit Court on June 16, 2026. Washington County Prosecutor John I. Jones, IV prosecuted the case against White on the felonies of statutory so**my in the first degree and in**st in a case stemming from 2017.

Jones presented testimony from three state witnesses: the victim, Detective Beverly Gillam, and Children's Division Investigation Supervisor Bonnie Campbell. Jones played body camera footage for the jury which showed White's
reaction to being informed that a hotline report listed him as a suspect. Without being told any details about the hotline, White already knew that it concerned the victim in this case and that it alleged White had committed s*x acts against the victim. Following closing arguments, the jury reached its guilty verdict in 34 minutes on both counts.

White is scheduled to be sentenced by the Honorable Brice Sechrest at a hearing set for September 14, 2026. He faces up to life imprisonment plus four years if sentenced to the maximum punishment.

“I’m grateful the jury saw through the defense’s attacks and listened to the victim in this case,” said Prosecuting Attorney John Jones. “It took immense bravery for our victim to stand up and confront the defendant. Despite undergoing four different proceedings under oath, being forced to talk about deeply traumatic abuse she had endured each time, the victim stood her ground and pushed through. If not for her courage and the professionals who investigated her disclosure, the defendant would never have faced justice.

“Child s*x abuse is an unspeakable evil, and it took real courage for the victim to speak about what they endured. My office will always stand with victims to hold predators accountable and to enforce the law.”

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 S*xual 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.

Washington County MO Prosecuting Attorney’s Office

09/15/2026

09/15/2026

08/07/2026

07/03/2026

06/18/2026

03/13/2026

03/13/2026

02/07/2026

11/03/2025

10/10/2025

Address

Opening Hours

Telephone

Website

Alerts

Contact The Organization

Shortcuts

Share

Category

Listing takedown request

Monday	8am - 4pm
Tuesday	8am - 4pm
Wednesday	8am - 4pm
Thursday	8am - 4pm
Friday	8am - 4pm