Adrian man pleads not guilty in aggravated sex abuse case

Bryan James Hastings, 41 of Adrian MO entered a plea of not guilty  in the Bates County Circuit Court last week regarding  eight charges related to sexual misconduct that occurred on or around April 5, 2026.

Charges are as follows:

1. Sodomy Or Attempted Sodomy - 1st Degree - Aggravated Sexual Offense { Felony Unclassified RSMo: 566.060 }

2. Sodomy Or Attempted Sodomy - 1st Degree - Aggravated Sexual Offense { Felony Unclassified RSMo: 566.060 }

3. Sodomy Or Attempted Sodomy - 1st Degree - Aggravated Sexual Offense { Felony Unclassified RSMo: 566.060 }

4. Sodomy Or Attempted Sodomy - 1st Degree - Aggravated Sexual Offense { Felony Unclassified RSMo: 566.060 }

5. Assault 1st Degree Or Attempt - Serious Physical Injury Or Special Victim { Felony A RSMo: 565.050 }

6. Assault - 1st Degree Or Attempt { Felony B RSMo: 565.050 } 

7. Sexual Abuse - 1st Degree { Felony C RSMo: 566.100 }

8. Assault - 3rd Degree { Felony E RSMo: 565.054 }

A counsel status hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, May 6, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. in the Bates County Circuit Court. Hastings is currently being held on a $500,000 cash only bond and according to information on file, is seeking legal counsel at this time.

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Another perpetrator facing charges including sexual trafficking and child molestation

According to information on file in the Bates County Circuit Court, Christopher Todd Laroux 53, of Louisburg, Ks address, is now facing seven charges related to extreme sexual abuse and misconduct related to a minor child in Bates County Mo:

1. Sexual Trafficking Of A Child - 2nd Deg - Under 18 Yoa { Felony Unclassified RSMo: 566.211 }

2. Sexual Trafficking Of A Child - 2nd Deg - Under 18 Yoa { Felony Unclassified RSMo: 566.211 }

3. Statutory Sodomy - 2nd Degree { Felony D RSMo: 566.064 }

4. Child Molestation - 4th Degree - Child Less Than 17 Yoa And Offender Greater Than 4 Years Older

5. Child Molestation - 4th Degree - Child Less Than 17 Yoa And Offender Greater Than 4 Years Older

6. Possession Of Child Pornography - 1st Offense { Felony D RSMo: 573.037 }

7. Possession Of Child Pornography - 1st Offense { Felony D RSMo: 573.037} 

Laroux is represented by Public Defender Jason Speer and is currently being held on a $100,000 bond. The Defendant has requested a bond reduction with a hearing scheduled for May 6, 1:30 pm in the Bates County Circuit Court.

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Butler city-wide garage sales coming May 2

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Bates County Sheriff’s County K9s Falco and Griff to get donation of body armor

Bates County Sheriff’s Office, MO - K9s Falco and Griff will receive bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. K9 Falco’s vest was sponsored by Les and Kay Filler of Emerald Hills, CA and will be embroidered with the sentiment “This gift of protection provided

by Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.”. K9 Griff’s vest was sponsored by Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. and will be embroidered with “In memory of Marie Jennings”. 

Delivery is expected within ten weeks. Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., established in 2009, is a 501(c)(3) charity whose

mission is to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States. This potentially lifesaving body armor for four-legged K9 officers is U.S. made, custom fitted, and

National Institute of Justice (NIJ) certified. Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has provided over 6,397 vests valued at $6.9 million to K9s in all 50 states, made possible by both private and corporate donations.

The program is open to U.S. dogs at least 20 months old, actively employed, and certified with law enforcement or related agencies. K9s with expired vests are also eligible to participate. There are an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K9s throughout the United States.

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Bates County Elks present scholarships

The Bates County Lodge No. 2653 held their annual ceremony of presenting scholarships to local students last week. Recipients were L-R: Evie-Lyn Lewis, LeeAnna Parks, Lila Stephan, Garrett Davis and not available for the photo, Talya McRedrick. Good luck to all in future endeavors and thank you, Bates County Elks.


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Bates County Court News

Judge Julie Highley-Keutzer presiding

Fines do not include added court costs

St v Taggar Kellum- seatbelt violation, fine $10.00

St v Nicholas Ward- fail to register vehicle, fine $50.50

St v Georgie George- speeding, fine $200.50

St v Taggar Kellum- speeding, fine $60.50

St v David Terry- fail to register as sex offender, 4 years DOC

St v Brooklyn Landwehr- speeding, fine $120.50

City of Butler v Christian Chandler- fail to register vehicle, fine $50.50

City of Butler v Alyssa Harris- expired plates, fine $50.50

City of Butler v Katherine Jones- parking violation, fine $50.50

City of Butler v Caitlynn Dodson- fail to register vehicle, fine $125.00

City of Butler v Caitlynn Dodson- displaying plates of another vehicle, fine $125.00

City of Butler v Caitlynn Dodson- fail to produce license on demand, fine $100.00

St v William Weirick- speeding, fine $50.50

St v Steven Knoll- speeding, fine $50.50

St v Dominic Reynolds- speeding, fine $200.50

City of Rich Hill v Taylor McMurphy- no proof of insurance, fine $150.00

City of Adrian v Miles Thurman- defective equipment, fine $163.50

City of Rich Hill v Tory Hartsell- expired plates, fine $125.00

City of Adrian v Gary Masner- Defective equipment, fine $113.50

City of Rich Hill v Jennifer Gortney- speeding, fine $170.00

City of Butler v Briley Douglas- fail to register vehicle, fine $50.50

City of Rich Hill v James Watson- expired plates, fine $100.00

City of Rich Hill v Ashlee James-speeding, fine $150.00

City of Rich Hill v Alexander Skocy- expired plates, fine $50.50

City of Rich Hill v Taylor McMurphy-expired plates, fine $125.00

City of Rich Hill v Nolan Preston- speeding, fine $120.50

City of Rich Hill v Zach Henry- displaying plates of another vehicle, fine $100.00

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The Museum Minute: 5 papers in Bates County

Courtesy of the Bates County Museum 802 Elks Drive, Butler Mo 64730 (660) 679-0134

Herrman’s Historical Happenings week of April 22

1882 Lots for burial are now available at the Oak Hill Cemetery, the former location of the fairgrounds and race track just East of Butler.

1887 Madame Dropae has returned to Adrian and opened a dress shop in her home.

1938 Butler's new 1,050 horsepower engine arrives at the Light Plant.

1943 A Tornado touches down in Southwest Bates Co, some damage, two are injured.

1949 The Western Auto store, on the northeast corner of the Butler square, undergoes a major remodel and everyone is invited to stop by and see.

1968 Newspapers in Bates County are the Adrian Journal, Bates County Democrat, Hume Border Messenger, Rich Hill Mining Review and the Rockville Leader.

1973 A large crowd attends the Easter Sunrise Services held at Recreation Lake in Butler. A number of area churches and pastors assist with the services.

2002 LeRoy Cook, executor of the Edgar Lee Robertson estate, presents the Bates County Historical Society with a check for $550,000. 

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Perfect shot at annual Bob Gunn Memorial Golf Tournament

CONGRATULATIONS to Jacob VanSlyke who had a hole-in-one during the 34th Annual Bob Gunn Memorial Golf Tournament held over the weekend. The Adrian Lions Club wishes to thank all who participated and we'll see you next year!


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