Former Principal at Missouri Christian School Charged with Sex Crimes Involving Former Student

Craig Wesley Smith Jr., a former principal at Lighthouse Christian Academy in Piedmont, Missouri, has been charged with sex crimes involving a former student. The school closed in March amid abuse allegations, and Smith faces charges of forcible sodomy and attempted forcible rape. According to court records, the charges stem from an incident in the late 2000s when Smith allegedly forced a teenage girl to perform sex acts. The probable cause statement indicates Smith threatened the girl with harm if she disclosed the abuse.

Smith is set to appear in court for a hearing on Thursday. The school, operated by ABM Ministries, was known for helping students with behavioral, learning, or attention-related challenges. The Musgraves, the school’s owners, faced criminal charges, including first-degree kidnapping, but the charges were dismissed by a Wayne County judge. Prosecuting Attorney Ginger Koller Joyner did not comment on the dismissal. A teacher, Caleb Sandoval, was charged with abuse or neglect and pleaded guilty to injuring a 15-year-old boy during a boxing session, receiving probation.

A federal lawsuit from 2009 accused Smith of sexual misconduct with an unnamed female student. The case was settled with ABM Ministries and the Musgraves paying $750,000, and Smith contributing $100,000. Other Christian boarding schools in Missouri have also faced abuse allegations, highlighting ongoing concerns about safety and accountability in such institutions.

Agape Boarding School in Stockton closed in 2023 after years of investigations and allegations of physical and sexual abuse. Criminal cases remain against the school’s longtime doctor, who is charged with multiple sex crimes. Circle of Hope Girls’ Ranch near Humansville closed in 2020, and its former owner, Stephanie Householder, is set for trial on child abuse charges. Her husband, Boyd Householder, was charged with nearly 80 counts of abuse but passed away in June.

The closures of these schools prompted Missouri to enact stricter regulations in 2021 for religious boarding facilities. Previously, such institutions had minimal oversight. These developments underscore the need for accountability and transparency in organizations that serve minors, ensuring the protection of vulnerable individuals.

The story reflects the importance of protecting the vulnerable, as emphasized in Proverbs 31:8-9. It calls for vigilance, justice, and care for those in need, reminding us of the responsibility to safeguard the well-being of all, especially the young and defenseless.

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