No Charges Filed in Alleged Child Kidnapping Case in St. Francois County

St. Francois Co., Mo. (KFMO) - Authorities now say no charges will be filed in connection with an alleged child kidnapping reported in St. Francois County earlier this week.

The Sheriff’s Department confirms that after further investigation and review by the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, both Derick Horn and Daniel Clover of Bonne Terre have been released from custody. The two men were originally arrested after the biological mother of a 1-year-old claimed the child was taken without consent. Investigators say it was later determined that misinformation had been provided in the initial report.

As a result, the case is being classified as a parental dispute rather than a kidnapping. Officials also say charges may be considered against the reporting party for filing a false report.

The Sheriff’s Department noted that, given the nature of the original allegations, law enforcement acted out of caution to ensure the child’s safety.