Criminal charges filed against girls home operators

Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt filed more than 100 criminal charges against the operators of a now-defunct girls home in Humansville.

Boyd and Stephanie Householder, who operated Circle of Hope Girls Ranch and Boarding School, have been arrested and are in custody as the charges are pursued, according to a news release.

Boyd Householder faces 79 felony charges and one misdemeanor, including allegations of abuse or neglect of a child and second-degree statutory rape. Stephanie Householder is charged with 22 felony charges, including abuse or neglect of a child and endangering the welfare of a child.

"The charging documents allege extensive, and horrific, sexual, physical and mental abuse perpetrated by the Householders,” Schmitt said in the release. “My office has worked tirelessly to investigate this case and will continue to work around the clock to ensure that justice is obtained in this case.”

The charging documents accuse Boyd Householder of multiple human rights abuses, such as shoving a victim's face into horse manure, handcuffing or restraining victims, and instructing victims on the best way to commit suicide, according to the release.

Law enforcement officials conducted forensic interviews and statements of 16 victims to corroborate the alleged abuse, according to Schmitt's office.