Man Charged for Raping Disabled Wife

Phillip Lehr, 61, of West Plains, has been released from jail after he was charged with one count of first degree rape and one count of first degree sodomy, both felonies. 

 

According to a probable cause statement filed by Officer Colter Reid of the West Plains Police Department, the officer responded to an address on Fifth Street in West Plains in the afternoon of October 25. Upon arrival, he interviewed Lehr’s wife of fifteen years, who is bound to a wheelchair. 

 

The victim reported she was sleeping when Lehr restrained and raped her. She reported he penetrated her with other objects as well while she objected and attempted to free herself. The victim told law enforcement that this assault was not the first she experienced from her husband. She was transported to the hospital for medical treatment. 

 

Officer Reid made contact with Lehr and placed him on a 24-hour hold pending formal charges. The suspect was charged on October 26 by Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Rizwan Ahad.

 

Initially, Lehr was jailed with a bond of $100,000.

 

At his initial court appearance on October 27, Lehr pled not guilty and stated to the Court that he wished to be released to the VA or to a veteran’s home. 

 

On October 28, Judge R. David Ray issued a bond reduction order releasing Lehr on his own recognizance on the conditions that he reside in a veteran’s shelter, remain in compliance with the rules of the facility, and have no contact with the victim. The accused is scheduled to appear in court on November 16 at 9:00 a.m.