Two charged after child found hungry and neglected in Dexter investigation

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

DEXTER, Mo., (KBSI) — Two Dexter residents have been charged following a child abuse and neglect investigation that began after a young child sought help from a neighbor.

According to the Dexter Police Department, officers responded June 2 to the 1000 block of North Mulberry Street after receiving a report that a child had arrived at a neighbor’s home appearing hungry, dirty and in need of care.

As the investigation progressed, officers developed probable cause and obtained a search warrant for a residence in the 100 block of West Sayre Street.

Police executed the search warrant and gathered evidence that led to the arrests of Lesa A. Nehrkorn, 59, of Dexter, and Kevin D. Dudley, 38, of Dexter.

Stoddard County Prosecutor Sawyer Smith and Assistant Prosecutor Chase Dembowski charged Nehrkorn with first-degree endangering the welfare of a child and child abuse or neglect.

Dudley was charged with child abuse or neglect and first-degree endangering the welfare of a child.

Both offenses are Class D felonies.

The investigation remains ongoing.

An arrest or charge is merely an accusation, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.