Purkey was initially charged in May of 2014 with multiple counts of sodomy and child endangerment on a child less than 14 year of age. The abuse had occurred for several years before being disclosed. Purkey posted bond in June of 2014 and was released from custody pending further court action.
A warrant for Purkey’s arrest was issued after he failed to appear for a scheduled hearing in December of 2015. The electronic monitoring bracelet Purkey had been ordered to wear signaled the device had been removed. It was found a short time later by Harrisonville Police at a park in Harrisonville, Missouri. Information from an informant led the authorities to believe that Purkey was going to flee the country.
Sheriff Chad Anderson notified authorities that Purkey was headed for Central America after identifying the fugitive in surveillance video at KCI purchasing a one-way ticket to Nicaragua.
Purkey was apprehended by authorities in Houston, Texas where he was to board the connecting flight to Nicaragua. Sheriff Anderson escorted Purkey back to Bates County where he has remained in custody with no bond. Purkey was a registered sex offender after being convicted in 1999 of abusing his step daughter.
Purkey will be transported to the Missouri Department of Corrections by the Bates County Sheriff’s Department.
