Missouri State Park Ranger arrested following allegations of sexual misconduct

CAMDENTON, Mo. — A Missouri State Park Ranger was taken into custody on Saturday, July 19, following an investigation of allegations of sexual misconduct.

According to a Camden County Sheriff's Office press release, Billy Stephens III, 34, has been charged with second-degree child molestation, second-degree statutory sodomy, second-degree statutory rape, tampering with a witness in a felony prosecution and tampering with physical evidence in felony prosecution.

Stephens was arrested late Saturday night following reports of sexual misconduct by the ranger, the release says.

Detectives conducted a forensic interview of an alleged child victim and reached out to staff of the Missouri State Park Rangers and told them of the situation. The two departments devised a plan to take Stephens into custody.

"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 in the press release. "This office is committed to the equal administration of justice regardless of a suspect’s status as a law enforcement officer."

Stephens was arrested and taken to the Camden County Adult Detention Facility with no bond. The ranger is currently on administrative leave from the department pending the outcome of the case.