Ava, MO. – An investigation that spanned weeks led to the arrest of a man who trafficked drugs, only to lead to the arrest of two more individuals on rape and kidnapping crimes.
This string of arrests began with Orval Merriman, a Theodosia man who was trafficking drugs in the area. He was arrested by the Multijurisdictional Task Force on December 11th and is being held in the Ozark County Jail on a $25,000 bond.
The results of this investigation, however, led to further investigation of two individuals from Ava, Brandon Williams, 36, and Bailey Abercrombie, 26. According to the probable cause affidavit on the case, testimony from both a victim and Abercrombie was used to discern that the pair were luring in women through dating apps, where the pair would rape them and then extort money under threat of death to the victim and their family members.
Williams and Abercrombie were arrested on December 21st and 22nd, respectively, and both are facing charges of 1st Degree Felony Rape, 2 counts of Felony Kidnapping, and Felony 1st Degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child.
Williams is also known to have a criminal history of Statutory Sodomy, and is a registered sex offender.
