LIBERTY, Mo. — This afternoon, Clay County Prosecuting Attorney Zachary Thompson announced the grand jury indictment of Timothy Haslett on nine felony counts. Haslett was charged with one count of first-degree rape, four counts of first-degree sodomy, one count of first-degree kidnapping, two counts of second-degree assault, and one count of endangering the welfare of a child. These new charges supersede the previous charges filed back in October 2022.
The range of punishment for these offenses carries up to five life sentences and 36 years of incarceration. The case has been assigned to Division 4 and will now be heard on February 17 at 9:00 a.m. The court has increased Haslett’s bond to $3 million.
In Missouri, cases can be brought to court through a grand jury. Grand jurors are selected from a random pool of the community and determine whether probable cause exists for a case to proceed to a jury trial. Grand jury proceedings are private and closed to the public. The case will now proceed to a jury trial and dates for the trial should be set on February 17, 2023 during a scheduled docket call.
Thompson praised the heroism of the victim in this case and thanked law enforcement for their efforts. “We would not be here today if not for the bravery of one woman and the tireless efforts of the men and women of 16 separate law enforcement agencies,” Thompson stated. Agencies involved in this investigation have included the Excelsior Springs Police Department, Clay County Sheriff’s Office, Gladstone Police Department, Liberty Police Department, North Kansas City Police Department, Smithville Police Department, Kansas City Police Department, Ray County Sheriff’s Office, the Heart of America Regional Computer Forensic Laboratory, Missouri State Highway Patrol, Missouri Information Analysis Center, Missouri Department of Conservation, Missouri State Technical Assistance Team, Missouri Search and Rescue, the FBI, and the Department of Homeland Security.
“Nevertheless, the investigation continues,” Thompson stated. “If you or anyone you know has information related to this case, please contact the Excelsior Springs Police Department. If you or anyone you know has information concerning the whereabouts of potential witnesses, please contact the Excelsior Springs Police Department or the TIPS Hotline at (816) 474-8477.”
See the full grand jury indictment below:
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