The indictment alleges physical abuse, including the use of restraints by Boyd Householder, when he pushed his knee into the backs of several victims, forcing the victims to hold the push-up position, the bodies or the heads of the victims against the hit wall and slap or hit victims with his hands or belt or other things.
Boyd Householder is also accused of pushing a victim’s face into horse dung and pouring hot sauce into another victim’s throat, court documents show.
“Today, my office has filed a total of 102 criminal charges against Boyd and Stephanie Householder, owners of the now completed Circle of Hope Girls Ranch and Boarding School. The indictment alleges extensive and heinous, sexual, physical and mental abuse. Committed by the Homeowners, “My office has worked tirelessly to investigate this case and will continue to work 24 hours a day to ensure that justice is achieved in this case,” Schmitt said in the release.
According to Schmitt’s office, investigators used forensic interviews, statements and extensive documentation seized on the Circle of Hope property to compile the extent and extent of abuse that allegedly took place there.
Both homeowners pleaded not guilty at their first appearance Wednesday. The next trial is scheduled for March 17, according to court reports.
CNN could not determine if the homeowners had legal representation. Both the Missouri Public Defender’s Office and a lawyer previously appointed for them said they did not represent them.
CNN contacted the AG’s office for more information on their legal representation and an affidavit.
“They are angry and bitter, and want to blame someone,” Stephanie Householder told The Star in September about the students. “They feel like they’re victims, and they just want to vent their anger on someone.”
Schmitt’s office is still searching for the identification and contact with victims.