Circle of Hope Ranch Abuse Case: Survivors Push for Trial, Opposing Plea Bargains

In a compelling turn of events, survivors of alleged abuse at the former Circle of Hope Girls Ranch in Missouri are taking a stand for justice. These courageous individuals are calling on Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey to forgo plea deals and move forward with a trial for Stephanie Householder, who co-owned the controversial boarding school.

The Case at a Glance

Circle of Hope Girls Ranch, once a Christian boarding school for troubled teens in Cedar County, Missouri, has been embroiled in a distressing abuse scandal. Stephanie Householder faces 21 charges of child abuse and neglect, based on allegations from former students.

The case took an unexpected turn when Boyd Householder, Stephanie's husband and co-owner of the ranch, passed away due to a "cardiac incident" before his trial. He had been facing nearly 80 charges, including allegations of sexual abuse.

Survivors' Call to Action

Former students and advocates, including representatives from the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP), have taken decisive action. They delivered a letter to Attorney General Bailey, expressing their strong desire for a full trial to proceed.

David Clohessy, Missouri volunteer director for SNAP, voiced concerns about the possibility of another plea deal being offered to Householder. However, the attorney general's office has stated that there are currently "no pending offers of a plea deal."

Impact on Former Students

The prospect of a plea deal has deeply affected survivors of the alleged abuse. Maggie Drew, who resided at Circle of Hope from 2007 to 2013, described the idea of a plea deal as "a huge slap in the face." Drew recounted traumatic experiences at the ranch, including suffering broken bones and being told to "walk it off" by Householder.

The Importance of a Trial

Amanda Householder, Stephanie's daughter, wrote a letter on behalf of a group of survivors, emphasizing the significance of a trial:

"While the trial will be emotionally very hard for many of us in the short term, in the long run, we are convinced that it will be a powerful deterrent to others who might commit or conceal crimes against children."

Broader Implications

This case has brought attention to the larger issue of oversight in Christian boarding schools for troubled teens. Advocates are calling for more thorough investigations into similar institutions across Missouri and beyond.

Legal Proceedings and Next Steps

Stephanie Householder is currently scheduled for a jury trial in October. The attorney general's office has emphasized that Bailey only intervenes in criminal cases when appointed by the governor or local authorities.

The Circle of Hope Ranch abuse case represents a critical moment in the fight against institutional child abuse. As survivors push for a full trial, their actions underscore the ongoing need for vigilance, accountability, and support for those who have experienced abuse in residential school settings.

Attorney Commentary From Our Legal Team

Ryan Frazier, Esq. of Monsees & Mayer P.C. offers his perspective:

"You know, cases like this really highlight the complexities of our legal system. On one hand, plea deals can be efficient, but they often leave survivors feeling shortchanged. A trial, though challenging, can provide a platform for voices to be heard and truths to be told. It's not just about punishment; it's about setting a precedent and sending a message that abuse won't be tolerated. As an attorney, I've seen how impactful a trial can be in these situations. It's a tough road, but often a necessary one for healing and justice."

Source:

Missouri Independent