Taylor Zander to face charges in heinous sexual predator case

Due to a change of venue from Vernon county, documents on file in the Bates County Circuit Court indicate that Taylor Wayne Zander, 33, of Rich Hill MO is now facing 14 charges related to  sexual acts with minor children dating back to 2022.

Due to the extreme nature of the accusations and the fact he was listed as child guardian, Zander could receive multiple life sentences.

Charges as filed:

1. Statutory Rape Or Attempted Statutory Rape - 1st Degree - Person Less Than 12 Yoa
{ Felony Unclassified RSMo: 566.032 }

2. Statutory Sodomy Or Attempted Statutory Sodomy - Deviate Sexual Intercourse - Person Less Than 12 Yoa
{ Felony Unclassified RSMo: 566.062 }

3. Statutory Sodomy Or Attempted Statutory Sodomy - Deviate Sexual Intercourse - Person Less Than 12 Yoa
{ Felony Unclassified RSMo: 566.062 }

4. Statutory Rape Or Attempted Statutory Rape - 1st Degree - Person Less Than 12 Yoa
{ Felony Unclassified RSMo: 566.032 }

5. Statutory Sodomy Or Attempted Statutory Sodomy - Deviate Sexual Intercourse - Person Less Than 12 Yoa
{ Felony Unclassified RSMo: 566.062 }

6. Statutory Sodomy Or Attempted Statutory Sodomy - Deviate Sexual Intercourse - Person Less Than 12 Yoa
{ Felony Unclassified RSMo: 566.062 }

7. Child Molestation - 2nd Degree -Child Less Than 12 Yoa
{ Felony B RSMo: 566.068 }

8. Endangering The Welfare Of A Child Creating Substantial Risk - 1st Degree - 1st Offense - Sexual Conduct

9. Endangering The Welfare Of A Child Creating Substantial Risk - 1st Degree - 1st Offense - Sexual Conduct
{ Felony D RSMo: 568.045 }

10. Endangering The Welfare Of A Child Creating Substantial Risk - 1st Degree - 1st Offense - Sexual Conduct
{ Felony D RSMo: 568.045 }

11. Endangering The Welfare Of A Child Creating Substantial Risk - 1st Degree - 1st Offense - Sexual Conduct
{ Felony D RSMo: 568.045 }

12. Endangering The Welfare Of A Child Creating Substantial Risk - 1st Degree - 1st Offense - Sexual Conduct
{ Felony D RSMo: 568.045 }

13. Endangering The Welfare Of A Child Creating Substantial Risk - 1st Degree - 1st Offense - Sexual Conduct

{ Felony D RSMo: 568.045 }

14. Endangering The Welfare Of A Child Creating Substantial Risk - 1st Degree - 1st Offense - Sexual Conduct
{ Felony D RSMo: 568.045 }

The defendant is being held on a $1,000,000 bond and a motion for discovery was filed on April 7, 2026 in Bates County. 

Zander is represented by public defender Jason Speer of Harrisonville, MO.

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