Arrest warrant issued for man accused of whipping children with belts
WARRENSBURG, Mo. (KCTV) - An arrest warrant has been issued for a Warrensburg man accused of child abuse after a toddler was seen with bruising from a belt on their face.
Johnson County, Missouri, Circuit Court records filed on Monday, May 19, indicate that Michael C. Williams Sr., 48, of Warrensburg, has been charged with multiple counts of child abuse.
A probable cause statement filed by the Warrensburg Police Department revealed that on Oct. 10, 2024, law enforcement officials received a report of suspected child abuse.
The Johnson County Children’s Services Division reported to investigators that a hotline tip had been received, which alleged four children, all under the age of 9, had been whipped with a belt.
Investigators indicated that they ed all four children at school who reported Williams had a history of using a belt on their backs when they misbehaved. On the youngest child, under the age of 4, a long, narrow bruise could be seen across their shoulder and on their face.
Law enforcement officials said they found Williams at his home, where he was taken into custody. He itted to investigators that he only used a belt to spank the two youngest children.
As a result, Williams has been charged with three counts of child abuse. If convicted, he could be sentenced to up to 21 years behind bars. A warrant for his arrest has been issued; however, as of Tuesday, he does not appear to be behind bars.
A hearing has not yet been set. No further information has been released.
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