A former Poplar Bluff businessman and minister surrendered himself Monday on allegations of sexual abuse occurring in late 2001 and early 2002.
James Hoyt, 55, of Poplar Bluff surrendered himself at the Butler County Justice Center, was booked and subsequently released on bond.
On Aug. 25, 2023, an investigation was opened into allegations of sexual abuse involving a then-17-year-old female and Hoyt, who was 32 at the time. The allegations stemmed from incidents alleged to have occurred in late 2001 and early 2002, said Lt. Josh Stewart of the Poplar Bluff Police Criminal Investigation Division in a press release.
Recently, a probable cause statement was submitted to the Butler County Prosecutor’s Office regarding the investigation resulting in the filing of charges and a $100,000 cash or surety warrant being issued for forcible sodomy and forcible rape, through the Butler County Circuit Court.