Billy G Stephens mugshot.jpg

CAMDENTON, Mo. — A Missouri State Park Ranger has been arrested and charged with multiple felonies in connection to an ongoing child sex crime investigation, according to the Camden County Sheriff’s Office.

Billy G. Stephens III, 34, was taken into custody late Saturday night while on duty. The arrest followed an investigation by Camden County detectives and a forensic interview with an alleged child victim.

Detectives coordinated with command staff from the Missouri State Park Rangers, who fully cooperated with the investigation and helped devise a plan to arrest Stephens. He was taken into custody at the Camden County Adult Detention Facility.

Stephens is charged with second-degree child molestation (Class B felony), two counts of statutory rape (Class D felonies), tampering with a witness (Class D felony), and tampering with physical evidence (Class E felony). He is being held without bond and has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the case.

“The allegations against Stephens are disturbing and, frankly, a betrayal of the trust our community puts in its law enforcement officers,” said Sheriff Chris Edgar. “This office is committed to the equal administration of justice regardless of a suspect’s status as a law enforcement officer.”

Sheriff Edgar noted his office typically does not issue press releases regarding sex crimes, but said the nature of the allegations warranted transparency. He thanked the Missouri State Park Rangers for their support in the case.

“This is the second local law enforcement officer this month my staff has arrested for felony crimes,” Sheriff Edgar added. “Let this be a warning… We will not harbor you. We will hold you accountable.”

Stephens is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.

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