Christian Co. man charged locally in 2001 rape case

Published 2:33 pm Tuesday, November 10, 2026

By Kimberly Langston

A Christian County man has been indicted on two felony counts of first-degree statutory rape stemming from alleged incidents in Howell County in 2001.

A grand jury indicted Jody L. Hunt, 51, of Highlandville, on Sept. 23. The indictment alleges that on two separate occasions in 2001, Hunt had sexual intercourse with a victim who was younger than 14.

According to court records, Hunt was arrested Oct. 2 on a warrant with a $250,000 bond and released. He was released from custody Oct. 6 after posting bond.

Hunt is represented by defense attorney Donovan D. Dobbs of Ozark. Records show a motion for a change of judge was previously granted at the request of public defender Lacon Smith, who initially represented Hunt before withdrawing from the case.

Hunt is scheduled to appear for a criminal setting on Monday before Associate 37th Circuit Judge Melissa Stewart, who has been assigned to preside over the case by the Missouri Supreme Court.

The case is being prosecuted by Howell County Prosecutor Mike Hutchings and Assistant Prosecutor Rizwan Ahad.