Camdenton, MO - 07-21-25 - Sheriff Chris Edgar confirms the arrest of 34-year-old Billy G Stephens III, a suspect in a sexual assault investigation. Stephens, a Missouri State Park Ranger, was taken into custody late Saturday night while on duty.

On July 19th, Camden County Sheriff's Detectives conducted an investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct involving an active-duty Missouri State Park Ranger. After attending a forensic interview of an alleged child victim, detectives contacted command staff at the Missouri State Park Rangers and advised them of the situation. Rangers' command staff cooperated fully with the investigation and assisted in devising a plan to take Stephens into custody.

Stephens was arrested at the Camden County Adult Detention Facility. He is charged with the Class B Felony of 2nd Degree Child Molestation, two counts of the Class D Felony of Statutory Rape, the Class D Felony of Tampering with a Witness, and the Class E Felony of Tampering with Physical Evidence.  He is being held without bond and is on administrative leave from the Rangers pending the outcome of the case.

The allegations against Stephens are disturbing and, frankly, a betrayal of the trust our community puts in its law enforcement officers.  This office is committed to the equal administration of justice regardless of a suspect's status as a law enforcement officer.  While this office does not regularly put out press release information on sex crimes cases, I felt in this case the public needed to know about the alleged misconduct of one of their law enforcement officers.  We are extremely grateful to the Missouri State Park Rangers for their assistance in this investigation and their commitment to helping us fight crime in our communities.  We will not waiver when it comes to our pursuit of justice. No one gets a pass from us. 

A personal message to all law enforcement officers in Camden County and the surrounding communities... This is the second local law enforcement officer this month my staff has arrested for felony crimes. Let this be a warning to you... if you are a law enforcement officer and you are involved in criminal activity; we will find you. We will not harbor you. We will hold you accountable.

A reminder that these charges are merely allegations of wrongdoing. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

- Sheriff Chris Edgar