Owners of Missouri Christian Boarding School Charged with Kidnapping Amid Runaway Reports
Mar 11, 10:00 AM
Larry Musgrave and his wife Carmen Musgrave, owners of ABM Ministries in Piedmont, Missouri, find themselves entangled in legal trouble as they face charges of first-degree kidnapping following reports of several boys running away from the school.
The Wayne County Sheriff's Department Southeast Missouri arrested Larry, 57, on March 1 from ABM Ministries, while Carmen, 64, was detained the next day when attempting to visit him in jail, according to authorities.
Sheriff Dean Finch revealed that his office initiated an investigation into ABM Ministries months ago, spurred by a complaint from a former student who alleged she was "held against her will" at the facility. The investigation gained momentum as reports surfaced about five boys running away from the school since January, with one incident involving two boys seeking help from a neighbor who then called 911.
Describing ABM Ministries as a Christian school for boys aged 10-13 with learning impairments or disorders, Finch noted that the investigation involved interviews with former and current students of the institution.
The educational institution, overseen by ABM Ministries, typically enrolls an average of 40 students. Following the model of many religious boarding schools, it adopts the Accelerated Christian Learning curriculum, allowing students to progress at their own pace. Described in its parents manual as being "dedicated to the training of children in a program of study, activity, and living that is Bible-centered," the school emphasizes a curriculum deeply rooted in Christian teachings. The manual further outlines the school's approach to discipline as "firm, consistent, fair, and tempered with love."
The troubled history of ABM Ministries has come to light, with reports indicating that the school, initially co-ed, faced legal scrutiny in 2009 when a federal lawsuit accused a former principal of engaging in sexual misconduct with a female student. The lawsuit alleged the Musgraves failed to protect the victim, resulting in a settlement.
Responding to the developments, Sheriff Finch expressed determination to uncover the truth and ensure justice for all victims involved. "When it comes to children, Sheriff Finch will leave no stone unturned until all victims are interviewed," the statement asserted.
ABM Ministries' website, which previously highlighted its mission to assist boys with learning impairments or disorders, was found to be non-functional. The school had approximately 40 enrolled students at any given time, according to previous reports.
The legal proceedings surrounding the Musgraves' charges remain ongoing, with uncertainty regarding their plea to the charges. Despite requests for comments, the couple's attorney has not responded to inquiries.
As investigations continue, authorities anticipate additional victims to come forward, raising the possibility of further charges against the Musgraves. The case underscores the importance of safeguarding vulnerable individuals and ensuring accountability within educational institutions.
Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj
Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
The Wayne County Sheriff's Department Southeast Missouri arrested Larry, 57, on March 1 from ABM Ministries, while Carmen, 64, was detained the next day when attempting to visit him in jail, according to authorities.
Sheriff Dean Finch revealed that his office initiated an investigation into ABM Ministries months ago, spurred by a complaint from a former student who alleged she was "held against her will" at the facility. The investigation gained momentum as reports surfaced about five boys running away from the school since January, with one incident involving two boys seeking help from a neighbor who then called 911.
Describing ABM Ministries as a Christian school for boys aged 10-13 with learning impairments or disorders, Finch noted that the investigation involved interviews with former and current students of the institution.
The educational institution, overseen by ABM Ministries, typically enrolls an average of 40 students. Following the model of many religious boarding schools, it adopts the Accelerated Christian Learning curriculum, allowing students to progress at their own pace. Described in its parents manual as being "dedicated to the training of children in a program of study, activity, and living that is Bible-centered," the school emphasizes a curriculum deeply rooted in Christian teachings. The manual further outlines the school's approach to discipline as "firm, consistent, fair, and tempered with love."
The troubled history of ABM Ministries has come to light, with reports indicating that the school, initially co-ed, faced legal scrutiny in 2009 when a federal lawsuit accused a former principal of engaging in sexual misconduct with a female student. The lawsuit alleged the Musgraves failed to protect the victim, resulting in a settlement.
Responding to the developments, Sheriff Finch expressed determination to uncover the truth and ensure justice for all victims involved. "When it comes to children, Sheriff Finch will leave no stone unturned until all victims are interviewed," the statement asserted.
ABM Ministries' website, which previously highlighted its mission to assist boys with learning impairments or disorders, was found to be non-functional. The school had approximately 40 enrolled students at any given time, according to previous reports.
The legal proceedings surrounding the Musgraves' charges remain ongoing, with uncertainty regarding their plea to the charges. Despite requests for comments, the couple's attorney has not responded to inquiries.
As investigations continue, authorities anticipate additional victims to come forward, raising the possibility of further charges against the Musgraves. The case underscores the importance of safeguarding vulnerable individuals and ensuring accountability within educational institutions.
Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj
Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com