WEST PLAINS, MO — A West Plains resident has been formally charged with Sexual Assault in the Second Degree and Assault in the Third Degree following two separate incidents involving caretakers.
According to police reports, officers were dispatched to the lobby of the West Plains Police Department at approximately 1:01 a.m. on August 6, 2025, where they met with a female victim who alleged she had been sexually assaulted by Ricky Rost, a client under her care. The victim stated the incident occurred on August 4 in the 1000 block of 4th Street in West Plains, Howell County.
The victim reported that while she was working in the office room of the residence, Rost entered and initiated a hug. After expressing he was having a bad day, Rost allegedly slid his hands down her backside and attempted to grope her. Despite her repeated verbal objections, Rost reportedly pinned her to the couch, touched her inappropriately through her clothing, and attempted to force a kiss. The victim stated she resisted and repeatedly told Rost to stop, after which he eventually backed off and apologized.
In a separate incident reported later the same day, a male caretaker came forward alleging physical assault by Rost. The second victim stated that on August 5 at approximately 9:00 p.m., Rost became aggressive, yelling before striking him in the face with a closed fist. The victim sustained a small fracture to the left eye socket, confirmed by discharge paperwork from Ozarks Healthcare.
Following investigation, authorities charged Ricky Rost with Sexual Assault in the Second Degree and Assault in the Third Degree. The case is currently under review by the Howell County Prosecutor’s Office.
