Missouri attorney general calls large scale of girls’ ranch sexual abuse unprecedented

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)

Missouri's attorney general said Wednesday that more than 100 charges have been filed against a couple who operated a girls' ranch in southwest Missouri.

Attorney General Eric Schmitt during a news conference at the Missouri Supreme Court building in Jefferson City said the case surrounding the Circle of Hope Girls' Ranch in Cedar County is one of the most widespread sexual abuse cases in state history.

Watch a replay of the announcement in the media player below.

ABC 17's sister station in Springfield, KSPR, has reported the ranch operators have been arrested and charged with dozens of felony crimes. State investigators removed dozens of girls from the ranch in August 2020.

Online court records say Stephanie and Boyd Householder, who run the ranch, face many felonies including abuse or neglect of a child and endangering the welfare of a child. Boyd Householder also faces multiple counts of child molestation and other sex crimes.

KSPR reported multiple former students of the ranch have filed lawsuits against the Householders.