BCSO teams up with Nevada police, takes down child predator

In June 2025, Detectives with the Sheriff's Office took a report of a child sexual assault which spanned several states and multiple jurisdictions, to include Bates County.

Detectives in Bates County began working closely with Nevada, Missouri Police Department Detectives to gather information, locate witnesses and establish a timeline of the alleged assaults.

On 07/11/2025, Bates County Detectives submitted a probable cause statement and on 07/18/2025, the suspect, identified as Taylor Wayne Zander, was charged with the following:

2 counts of Statutory Rape or Attempted Statutory Rape 1st degree victim less than 12,

4 counts of Statutory Sodomy or attempted statutory sodomy- deviate sexual intercourse-person less than 12,

1 count of Child Molestation 2nd degree- child less than 12,

7 counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child Creating Substantial Risk- 1st degree- sexual conduct.

A warrant was issued by the honorable Judge Highley with a $1 Million Cash Only bond.

Zander was also charged in Vernon County and had an active warrant in their jurisdiction in relation to this case as well.

Nevada Detectives and Bates County Detectives requested assistance from the US Marshal Service in locating Zander, and on 07/17/2025, Zander was located and taken into custody by agents with the US Marshal Service.

This case is ongoing and no further information will be released at this time. If you have information about this case, or other crimes against children, please reach out to Detective Fishbaugh at (660) 679-3232.