On Wednesday, December 14, 2016, CHAD MICHAEL ADAMS, d/o/b 12-27-1978, of Branson, Missouri, entered a guilty plea to two (2) counts of class C felony of abuse of a child. Circuit Court Judge Laura Johnson sentenced Adams to three (3) years in prison on each count, to be served concurrently, pursuant to a plea agreement with the Taney County Prosecutor’s Office.

On the early afternoon of June 6, 2016, Taney County Sheriff’s deputies responded to an address on Aster Circle, in Branson, where neighbors were reported to be fighting with Adams over his striking and swearing at two (2) young girls – ages four and five, respectively – outside his house. Deputies took statements from multiple witnesses before arresting Adams for abuse of a child. Adams has remained in custody since that time.

“I’m thankful to the neighbors who confronted Adams, and intervened to protect these children,” says Taney County Prosecutor Jeff Merrell. “The good people on Aster Circle should be commended for not ignoring the abuse that was occurring in plain view, and for reporting it to law enforcement. I hope that the rest of our community will act just as responsibly if ever witnessing such abuse.”

These class C felonies carry a maximum punishment of up to seven (7) years in the Missouri Department of Corrections, and/or a fine not to exceed $5,000.