Bond has been set at $1 million cash or surety for a Sedalia man who has been accused of multiple counts of child abuse.
A probable-cause statement says on July 23, 2018, the grandmother of three youths- ages 8 to 12- took them to Bothwell Hospital in Sedalia after she noticed large bruises on them, and they disclosed that their mother’s boyfriend, 48-year-old James L. Hays Jr., had been physically abusing them.
During separate interviews, the kids reportedly told a child-safe investigator that the abuse included kicking them; drowning them in the shower until they almost couldn’t breathe; whipping them with a specific belt; locking them in the bathroom by using a metal bar, and forcing them sleep in there, even in the winter without any blankets; and many other accusations of abuse.
On July 30, 2018, authorities served a search warrant at the residence and say they found the specific belt, a metal bar with “HAYS” written on it and several other items of evidentiary value. Hays was arrested.
According to online court documents, Hays has been charged with three counts of a Class B Felony for Abuse or Neglect of a Child- Causing Serious Emotional or Physical Injury- no sexual contact.
Hays’ initial hearing at Pettis County Circuit Court is pending.