Bates County News

Thursday, June 18, 2026

BREAKING NEWS: Butler Man Charged with 8 Felony Charges of Deviate Sex Acts with a Female Minor

 Tommy Thomas, 67, of Butler MO is currently being held in the Bates County Jail on eight charges related to alleged deviate sex acts with a minor female child under the age of 12 in September of 2025.


The charges as follows:

1. Sodomy Or Attempted Sodomy - 1st Degree - Victim Is Less Than 12 Years Old { Felony Unclassified RSMo: 566.060 }

2. Sodomy Or Attempted Sodomy - 1st Degree - Victim Is Less Than 12 Years Old { Felony Unclassified RSMo: 566.060 }

3. Sodomy Or Attempted Sodomy - 1st Degree - Victim Is Less Than 12 Years Old { Felony Unclassified RSMo: 566.060 }

4. Sodomy Or Attempted Sodomy - 1st Degree - Victim Is Less Than 12 Years Old { Felony Unclassified RSMo: 566.060 }

5. Endangering Welfare of Child Creating Substantial Risk-1st Degree - 1st Offense - Sexual Contact { Felony D RSMo: 568.045 }

6. Endangering Welfare of Child Creating Substantial Risk-1st Degree - 1st Offense - Sexual Contact { Felony D RSMo: 568.045 }

7. Endangering Welfare of Child Creating Substantial Risk-1st Degree - 1st Offense - Sexual Contact { Felony D RSMo: 568.045 }

8. Endangering Welfare of Child Creating Substantial Risk-1st Degree - 1st Offense - Sexual Contact { Felony D RSMo: 568.045 }

Thomas is currently in custody in the Bates County Jail with a no bond condition. 

A full conviction will result in lifetime imprisonment with no parole.



Anna Swanson, 87 of Butler

  Anna Swanson, 87 of Butler, Missouri passed away Tuesday, June 16, 2026 at Bates County Memorial Hospital in Butler.  A visitation will be...