Crime

Parole hearing scheduled for man found guilty of causing 1993 flood

James Robert Scott — Missouri Department of Corrections

By Ryan Shiner

Published July 21, 2026 7:16 PM

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The man who was given a life sentence for causing the 1993 Missouri flood has a parole hearing this week.

James Robert Scott, 58, was found guilty decades ago of causing a catastrophe. He is being held at Jefferson City Correctional Center. He was sentenced to life in prison on July 6, 1998.

Department of Corrections spokeswoman Karen Pojman told ABC 17 News in an email that Scott has a parole hearing on Wednesday. Parole hearings are not open to the public and it can take several days for the parole board to make a decision, Pojman wrote.

Scott was accused of causing the West Quincy levee to fail. Scott spoke with ABC 17 News in 2018, where he again denied the accusation.

Article Topic Follows: Crime

Jump to comments ↓

Ryan Shiner

BE PART OF THE CONVERSATION

ABC 17 News is committed to providing a forum for civil and constructive conversation.

Please keep your comments respectful and relevant. You can review our Community Guidelines by clicking here

If you would like to share a story idea, please submit it here.