Full Notification

BENTON, MISSOURI - Scott County Sheriff Rick Walter reports a Sikeston, Missouri man was arrested for Weapons Violation and Endangering the Welfare of a Child.

Donald R. Lewis (52) of 46 Betty, Sikeston, Missouri has been charged with the Class C Felony of Unlawful Possession of a Firearm and the Class A Misdemeanor of Endangering the Welfare of a Child.

Sheriff Walter states that on Sunday, August 16, 2015 the Sheriff’s Office responded to the area of Little John, outside of Sikeston, for a report of two juveniles reporting someone was after them. The Sheriff’s Office received a second call about two missing juveniles and an adult, who had left on a golf cart.

The deputies located the golf cart in a ditch. They later located the driver and juveniles. The juveniles were taken to their residence. Contact was made with Lewis, the juveniles’ father. It was determined that the inside of the residence was unsanitary for living conditions due to an infestation of roaches and other reasons.

Missouri Children’s Division was contacted and responded. They determined the children could not stay at the residence. Deputies had located numerous firearms behind Lewis’ bedroom door accessible to the juveniles.

Lewis was placed under arrest and transported to the Scott County jail where he was booked pending the filing of formal chargers by the Scott County Prosecuting Attorney.

Lewis remains in custody at the Scott County Jail. Bond was set by the court at $2,500.00 cash or surety and no contact with the juveniles.