Bates County Sheriff's Office seeking public assistance

In mid July of 2019 the Detectives from the Bates County Sheriff's Office and Victims Advocate's Office received information about a sexual assault that had occurred in Bates County from April 2018 to mid July of 2018. The case involved a juvenile under the age of 14 with the juvenile's mother as the suspect. 

The case was investigated with the report being submitted to the Bates County Prosecutor's Office for review of the charges. On Sept 18, 2019 the Prosecutor formally filed charged Melody B Thexton, W/F, DOB 12/25/1984. Thexton has been charged with the following:

* 4 counts of Statutory Rape with a person less than 14 years old.

* 7 counts of Endangering the welfare of a child engaging in sexual conduct under 17 years old in the 1st degree

*3 counts of Statutory Sodomy/attempt-deviate sexual intercourse with a person less than 14 years old

*1 Count of Assault 2nd Degree

*7 Counts of endangering the welfare of a child creating substantial risk - 1st degree- no sexual conduct.

Thexton's bond was set at $250,000 cash or surety

The Sheriff's Office is currently seeking information on the whereabouts of Melody Thexton. 

Thexton has several failure to appear warrants from other agencies and has a last known address out of Kansas City Missouri. If you have information please contact a Detective at the Bates County Sheriff's Office at 660-679-3232