West Plains, MO. – A Willow Springs woman has been charged in connection with a child abuse case reported earlier this month. Jacquelyn M. Mersman, age 38 of Willow Springs, was arrested on September 20, 2022 after being questioned in the abuse of her autistic child by her husband, Kevin T. Mersman.
According to the probable cause statement, interviews were conducted with the babysitter and another friend of the family. In these interviews, it was discovered that Jacquelyn had known that Kevin had been abusing the children, leaving the children alone in the house for extended periods, and left the children alone with him while knowing about his abusive actions.
It was reported that the living conditions of the home were poor as well. The witnesses stated that there “was dog feces on every surface within the residence” and the children had been left with the individuals for multiple weeks at a time.
Jacquelyn Mersman is currently out on $10,000 bond and has a bond hearing set at the Howell County Courthouse on Monday, October 3, 2022.
Kevin Mersman is currently out on $50,000 surety bond. The next hearing is scheduled for October 17, 2022 at 9 a.m.
