Bond has been set at $1 million cash or surety for a 48-year-old Sedalia man who has been charged with three counts of a felony for allegedly abusing children in Pettis County last month.
According to a probable-cause statement, on July 27, children– ages 8, 9 and 12– told investigators they had suffered abuse at the hands of James L. Hays Jr. The children detailed several alleged incidents where Hays had struck with a studded belt and kicked them; poured water over their heads, causing them not to be able to breathe; shot them with a pellet gun; locked them in a hot closet; and made them eat pieces of a shoe before they got food.
Officers served a search warrant at the house and reportedly found several items, including the pellet gun and belts matching the descriptions from the children.
Online court documents say Hays has been charge with three counts of a Class B Felony for Abuse or Neglect of a Child- Causing Serious Emotional or Physical Injury.
Hays’ initial hearing at Pettis County Circuit Court is pending.