AVA, Mo. — An Ava man faces felony allegations following a Douglas County Sheriff’s Office investigation into the reported abuse of an elderly family member under his care.
Keith Scott Mersman, 51, is accused of first degree domestic assault, second degree kidnapping, abuse of an elderly person and animal neglect.
According to Deputy Jonathan Harley’s probable cause statement, an in home health care provider contacted the sheriff’s office shortly after 11 a.m. July 24 after an elderly woman reportedly said her son had been physically and mentally abusive toward her.
Harley and Lt. James Nelson responded to a residence on State Highway O. Investigators reported that the woman had previously suffered a stroke and required assistance with mobility and personal care. Mersman had reportedly served as her primary caretaker for approximately four years.
The woman reportedly had bruising on her right arm that Harley described as being consistent with finger marks from someone squeezing her arm.
According to the affidavit, the woman said she asked Mersman to help her use the bathroom during the night of July 23. She alleged that Mersman became angry, yelled at her, grabbed her by the shirt and pulled her from the bed.
The woman further alleged that Mersman later threw her onto the bed and refused to let her sleep in a recliner that helped relieve her back pain. When a water glass fell to the floor, Mersman allegedly refused to give her more water because she might need to use the bathroom again.
The affidavit alleges that the woman tried to call 911, but Mersman took her cellphone and prevented her from contacting law enforcement. She reportedly told investigators that she was afraid of Mersman and that his behavior had grown worse during the previous two years.
Court documents also reference a February incident in which the woman contacted the sheriff’s office and reported that Mersman had assaulted her. According to the affidavit, she did not want to pursue charges at that time.
Investigators also reported finding dog urine and feces inside the residence. An approximately 6 pound Yorkshire terrier was allegedly covered in feces. A witness reportedly said Mersman had previously handled the dog aggressively.
Mersman returned to the residence shortly after 2:20 p.m. and was taken into custody. After being advised of his rights, Mersman reportedly told investigators that he was exhausted from providing care and had been sleeping approximately two hours per night. He allegedly acknowledged that he sometimes became rough and said he may have grabbed the woman’s arm while she was falling.
The probable cause statement notes that Mersman had no prior criminal history.
Douglas County Associate Circuit Judge Elizabeth Bock found probable cause, issued a warrant and set bond at $5,000 cash. Court conditions included no contact with the alleged victim and an approved home plan before release.
The warrant was served July 25. Court records show Mersman posted the full $5,000 bond July 27. Attorneys James Jason Coatney and S. Dean Price Jr. entered appearances on his behalf and filed discovery requests.
Mersman is scheduled to appear before Bock at 11 a.m. Sept. 10 in Douglas County.
All charges are allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
