Father Charged

A six-month-old baby boy had to be air lifted to St. Louis for surgery to treat a dog bite wound to his genital area Friday. While Kevin Mersman, 44, of Willow Springs, was with the baby at the Ozarks Healthcare, two other children were placed in the care of a babysitter. 

The babysitter noticed significant bruising on Mersman’s 6-year-old adopted daughter and contacted law enforcement. As the investigation unfolded, Mersman was charged with a total of 12 counts of felony child abuse and assault for the beating of the girl. As of press time, no charges have been filed in connection with the baby’s injury. 

After observing the severe bruising to the girl’s face, neck, and arms, Howell County Sherriff’s Deputies arranged for an emergency forensic interview with the child. In the interview with Child Advocacy Center, the girl described a culture of secrecy in her house, telling the interviewer that “dad would be arrested by the police” if she talked about what she experiences at home.

She said her dad put his hands around her neck and lifted her off the ground. She said the bruising on her head was from being “smacked” on the head.  She also said her dad “kicks her all the time.”

Her visible injuries coupled with her statements led to Mersman’s arrest.

In an interview with Lieutenant Torey Thompson, Mersman admitted to lifting the 6-year-old, 40-pound girl by the neck. He described her physique to the police as “like a rag doll.” The probable cause statement notes that Mersman is 6’2” and weighs approximately 250 pounds. Mersman demonstrated the way he tried to “get [the girl’s] attention” when he talked about picking her up by the neck. 

The accused told investigators that the girl is autistic and hard to handle. He said he has “no training on how to deal with an autistic child.” 

Court documents do not mention any abuse of the other child in the home, a male toddler. As of press time, there are no charges pending for the infant’s injuries.

For the abuse of the six-year-old adopted female, Mersman faces three counts of first-degree assault, four counts of abuse or neglect of a child, four counts of endangering the welfare of a child creating a substantial risk, and one count of third-degree domestic assault. 

Lieutenant Thompson’s statement expressed concern that Mersman would not appear in court because the accused mentioned the possibility of moving back to Minnesota. The statement notes Mersman moved to Missouri from Minnesota because of “issues” with Family Services there. 

Mersman posted his $50,000 bond and was released Aug. 28, confirms Howell County Jail.