A Poplar Bluff man has been officially charged with kidnapping and three other felony counts in connection with an incident last week where he allegedly assaulted and kidnapped his girlfriend.
Keaton D. Rexroad, 18, of the 200 block of Century Drive is charged with the Class A felony of first-degree kidnapping and three Class E felony counts of first-degree property damage, third-degree assault and third-degree domestic assault.
According to the probable cause statement by Butler County Sheriff’s Deputy James L. Allison, deputies responded to a residence in the 200 block of Century Avenue on Monday, June 20, in reference to a possible kidnapping and domestic disturbance. Upon arrival, contact was made with the reporting party, who was Rexroad’s mother, Cynthia.
She reportedly told authorities Rexroad and his 16-year-old girlfriend had gotten into a verbal altercation about the girlfriend wishing to go to her mother’s residence. Cynthia Rexroad reportedly told the girlfriend she would be willing to take her there after a short period of time and that she also told deputies she noticed bruising on the girlfriend’s face.
When Keaton Rexroad found this out, he allegedly became outraged, then started punching and kicking holes in the walls of the residence and damaged a television in the living room. Keaton Rexroad then allegedly shoved his mother in a corner of the residence and threatened to hit her if she took his girlfriend home.
After this, Keaton Rexroad allegedly grabbed his girlfriend by her hair, dragged her outside and forced her into his vehicle.
After releasing information to the public, several hours of tips followed. It was later reported Keaton Rexroad and his girlfriend were at an address in the 1100 block of Maud Street. When deputies arrived, contact was established with the girlfriend’s mother, who said that Keaton and his girlfriend were upstairs.
Keaton Rexroad then was located in the residence, hiding in a built-in storage area. He was ordered to exit and did so, being taken into custody without further incident.
After being taken into custody, the girlfriend reportedly said Keaton did not kidnap her and she went with him willingly. Deputies noted in reports that the girlfriend showed slight bruising and swelling to her face.
Keaton Rexroad currently is free on $50,000 bond. He waved formal arraignment last Thursday and is scheduled to have his preliminary hearing Thursday, July 7.
If convicted, the kidnapping charge carries a minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum sentence of 30 years to life, while the other charges each carry up to four years in prison.