Washington County MO Prosecuting Attorney’s Office

Washington County MO Prosecuting Attorney’s Office Serving Washington County, MO by seeking justice and protecting public safety.

WASHINGTON COUNTYProsecuting Attorney's OfficeFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEFriday, July 3, 2026Steelville Man Charged with Felon...
07/03/2026

WASHINGTON COUNTY
Prosecuting Attorney's Office

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, July 3, 2026

Steelville Man Charged with Felony Murder, 5 Other Felonies in Fatal Wrong-Way Crash on Route 8

POTOSI, Mo. - Washington County Prosecuting Attorney John I. Jones IV announced today that his office has filed felony charges against Jonathan Blake Ryan of Steelville, Missouri in connection with a June 12, 2026 head-on collision on Missouri Route 8, east of Pigeon Roost Road, that killed a 30-year-old woman and critically injured a 10-year-old child

Ryan is charged with six felony counts:
• Felony Murder in the Second Degree — a Class A felony;
• Assault in the Second Degree (two counts) — Class D felonies;
• Armed Criminal Action (two counts); and
• Operating a Motor Vehicle Without a Valid License, Third or Subsequent Offense
— a Class E felony.

According to the probable-cause statement filed by the Missouri State Highway Patrol, at about 5:07 p.m. on June 12, 2026, Ryan was driving a black Dodge Kam 2500 pickup truck and attempting to pass a line of traffic at a high rate of speed in a marked no-passing zone on Route 8. His truck crossed into the oncoming lane and struck a westbound Volkswagen Jetta head-on.

The charges are merely allegations. Every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

A word on safety this Fourth of July weekend
The Independence Day holiday is consistently one of the deadliest stretches of the year on Missouri's roads - and this case is a devastating reminder that a single reckless decision behind the wheel can end a life.

As families travel this weekend, try to remember:
• Slow down. Speed turns a mistake into a tragedy.
• Never pass where it isn't safe - no-passing zones and blind curves exist for a reason.
• Never drive impaired, and don't drive at all if you've lost the right to.
• Buckle up - every seat, every trip, and make sure every child is properly restrained.

The Prosecuting Attorney's Office thanks you all in advance for acting responsibly and safely as we celebrate our incredible nation's 250th birthday.

PRESS RELEASEPotosi, MO Man Found Guilty by Jury on 2 Felony Counts of Child S*x CrimesPotosi, Missouri - Anthony Michae...
06/18/2026

PRESS RELEASE
Potosi, MO Man Found Guilty by Jury on 2 Felony Counts of Child S*x Crimes

Potosi, Missouri - Anthony Michael White, Sr. of Potosi, MO was convicted by a jury of two s*x crimes against a child under twelve years of age following a trial held in Circuit Court on June 16, 2026. Washington County Prosecutor John I. Jones, IV prosecuted the case against White on the felonies of statutory so**my in the first degree and in**st in a case stemming from 2017.

Jones presented testimony from three state witnesses: the victim, Detective Beverly Gillam, and Children's Division Investigation Supervisor Bonnie Campbell. Jones played body camera footage for the jury which showed White's
reaction to being informed that a hotline report listed him as a suspect. Without being told any details about the hotline, White already knew that it concerned the victim in this case and that it alleged White had committed s*x acts against the victim. Following closing arguments, the jury reached its guilty verdict in 34 minutes on both counts.

White is scheduled to be sentenced by the Honorable Brice Sechrest at a hearing set for September 14, 2026. He faces up to life imprisonment plus four years if sentenced to the maximum punishment.

“I’m grateful the jury saw through the defense’s attacks and listened to the victim in this case,” said Prosecuting Attorney John Jones. “It took immense bravery for our victim to stand up and confront the defendant. Despite undergoing four different proceedings under oath, being forced to talk about deeply traumatic abuse she had endured each time, the victim stood her ground and pushed through. If not for her courage and the professionals who investigated her disclosure, the defendant would never have faced justice.

“Child s*x abuse is an unspeakable evil, and it took real courage for the victim to speak about what they endured. My office will always stand with victims to hold predators accountable and to enforce the law.”

WASHINGTON COUNTYProsecuting Attorney's OfficeFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEFriday, March 13, 2026Potosi Correctional Center Inma...
03/13/2026

WASHINGTON COUNTY
Prosecuting Attorney's Office

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, March 13, 2026

Potosi Correctional Center Inmate Sentenced to 15 Years in the Missouri Department of Corrections for Voluntary Manslaughter

Washington County, MO - On Monday, March 2, 2026, Offender Isreal Leggette was sentenced in the 2023 murder of Joshua Cosby at the Potosi Correctional Center. After consultation with the victim's family, a plea offer for Voluntary Manslaughter, a Class B Felony, was extended, and Leggette entered a plea of guilty. Sentencing was argued in front of the Honorable Judge Brice Sechrest.

During sentencing, the victim's mother spoke of her faith in the Lord and of her forgiveness for Leggette and the role that he played in the death of her son. The victim's father struggled to understand just why Leggette would have brutalized his son in such a way. Joshua was deeply loved by his family and had a vision for his future. In the wake of her son's death, Mrs. Cosby started the nonprofit program "IKINJ" (I Know I Need Jesus). She hopes that Offender Leggette may come to know Jesus.

First Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Brad Van Zee who argued sentencing in this case expressed how blessed he was to have met the Cosby family and marveled over the grace they displayed in forgiving Leggette. Prosecutor Van Zee described Offender Leggette as a "feral animal" and emphasized the importance of keeping him separate from society as a matter of public safety.

Judge Brice Sechrest sentenced Leggette to 15 years in the Missouri Department of Corrections to run consecutively with the current sentence that he is obligated to serve. Prosecuting Attorney John I. Jones and Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Brad Van Zee would like to commend the victim's family for their mercy in this matter and Investigator Cindy House of the Office of Professional Standards in the Missouri Department of Corrections for her diligent work investigating this case.

The Washington County Prosecuting Attorney's Office remains dedicated to seeking justice and standing for those who have been victimized in our community.

WASHINGTON COUNTYProsecuting Attorney's OfficeFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEFriday, March 13, 2026Richwoods Man Sentenced In 2024...
03/13/2026

WASHINGTON COUNTY
Prosecuting Attorney's Office

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, March 13, 2026

Richwoods Man Sentenced In 2024 Crash That Claimed the Lives of Two Children, Left One Paralyzed

Washington County, MO - On Monday, March 2, 2026, Zachary Wideman of Richwoods, Missouri was sentenced in the 2024 car accident that claimed the lives of two children (6 and 10 years old), paralyzed a third child (8 years old), and seriously injured a fourth child (7 years old). The crash occurred when Wideman failed to negotiate a curve, running his SUV off the roadway and into a tree. After an investigation by the Missouri State Highway Patrol, it was determined that Wideman had been distracted by his cell phone at the time of the accident, and that the children were improperly restrained.

Wideman faced up to 22 years in prison after pleading guilty to two counts of 1st Degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child and two counts of 2nd Degree Involuntary Manslaughter. The victims' families addressed the Honorable Judge Brice Sechrest, describing the absolute devastation felt by those who had lost their children so young. Prosecuting Attorney John I. Jones, IV requested significant prison time, stating Wideman must be held accountable for failing to protect the children in his care.

The Honorable Judge Brice Sechrest sentenced Wideman to 22 years in the Missouri Department of Corrections with the stipulation that Wideman be eligible for consideration of supervised probation after 120 days. If released onto probation, Wideman must complete a Victim Impact Panel, Driver Improvement Program, and may not transport any children during his time on supervision.

Prosecuting Attorney John I. Jones, IV would like to remind the members of our community of the responsibility we hold when entrusted with the care of children. Missouri Child Passenger Safety Laws are designed to protect the most vulnerable, and the Siddens Bening Hands-Free Law took effect in 2023. Under this law, drivers are prohibited from physically holding or supporting a cell phone, manually typing, writing, sending or reading text messages, recording, posting, sending or broadcasting videos, and watching videos or movies.

Car crashes continue to be a leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 13 years of age in the United States. Prosecutor John I. Jones, IV is dedicated to holding those accountable who fail to protect children in their care. The Washington County Prosecuting Attorney's Office is grateful to the Missouri State Highway Patrol who responded to and investigated this horrific accident. Without their dedicated work, there would be no justice for the child victims and their families.

WASHINGTON COUNTYProsecuting Attorney's OfficeFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEFriday, February 6, 2026Inmate Found Guilty by Jury o...
02/07/2026

WASHINGTON COUNTY
Prosecuting Attorney's Office

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, February 6, 2026

Inmate Found Guilty by Jury of Attempted 1st Degree Murder of Unborn Child, Violence to DOC Employee

Washington County, MO - In November of 2022, Offender Bibby attacked a Potosi Correctional Center staff member who was 17 weeks pregnant. Washington County Prosecuting Attorney John I. Jones, IV, charged Bibby with the felonies of Attempted Murder in the 1st Degree of the staff member's unborn baby and Violence to an Employee of the Department of Corrections against the mother.

On February 5, 2026, Bibby's jury trial was held in the Washington County Circuit Court. The jury heard testimony from the victim and the custody staff who responded to her aid, detailing how Bibby crawled up behind the adult victim while her back was turned, dragged her to the ground, then got on top of her and struck her in the stomach repeatedly.

Witnesses recounted how Bibby made statements during and after the attack confirming he intended to kill the unborn child, including one custody staff member who heard Bibby state loudly immediately after the attack that he had "killed that [expletive]'s [expletive]ing baby". The jury also saw video footage of the attack.

The jury took 33 minutes to reach unanimous guilty verdicts on both counts.

"The worst predators seek to harm women and children, and this defendant targeted both in a single attack," says Jones. "I'm thankful that both mother and baby were safe and healthy after the attack, but there is no excuse for what this defendant did. The mother and PCC staff who intervened swiftly to stop the assault deserve medals for their tenacity and decisive action protecting mother and child.

"I'm also thankful the jury saw this for what it was—a calculated, savage attack against an innocent baby and hardworking mother.

"My office will always work tirelessly to enforce the law and to protect the innocent. It was an honor to try this case, and I couldn't have done so without the adult victim, the witnesses, the institutional investigator, or the jurors who sacrificed their time and care to see this case through the finish line."

Sentencing in this case is set for April 20, 2026, before the Honorable Wendy Wexler-Horn. Bibby, a persistent felony offender, faces up to 60 years in prison.

Address

102 North Missouri Street, Second Floor
Potosi, MO
63664

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Monday 8am - 4pm
Tuesday 8am - 4pm
Wednesday 8am - 4pm
Thursday 8am - 4pm
Friday 8am - 4pm

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+15734386111

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