Horn and Clover reclassified as “parental dispute”

A child was recovered and returned to its mother during a parental dispute that was falsely reported as a kidnapping. Photo courtesy of the St. Francois County Sheriff’s Department

On Sep. 9, the St. Francois County Sheriff’s Department (SFCSD) received a report from a woman stating that her one-year-old child had been taken without consent by two men. The men were identified as the child’s uncle and the mother’s ex-boyfriend, who is not the biological father of the child.

A county-wide broadcast was made, and a variety of law enforcement organizations began to search for the vehicle described in the apparent abduction. Around 3 p.m., a Missouri State Highway Patrol Trooper located and detained the men near B Highway outside of Doe Run. The child was immediately returned to its mother by Deputies from the SFCSD.

Derick Horn and Daniel Clover were arrested and booked on first-degree kidnapping charges and held at the St. Francois County Jail pending formal charges from the St. Francois County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.

During the investigation and review of the incident, it was discovered that misinformation was provided to authorities in the initial report of the alleged kidnapping. Both men were released from custody on September 10, and no formal charges were filed against them.

According to an information release issued by Sheriff Jeff Crites, the incident has been classified as a parental dispute, and charges could potentially be filed for making a false report.

“Due to the nature of the original allegations, our department acted out of caution to ensure the child’s safety. We appreciate the community’s patience and support as we worked to resolve this matter thoroughly and responsibly,” Sheriff Crites said.

Lisa Brotherton-Barnes is a Daily Journal and Farmington Press staff writer. She can be reached at lbarnes@dailyjournalonline.com.