ADVISORY: This article contains depictions of child abuse, sexual abuse, and other issues involving criminal allegations.
West Plains, MO. – A West Plains woman was arrested for multiple felony charges including incest which was said to have occurred in November 2022. Nikita Danea Steinbruner is charged with three felonies: incest, statutory sodomy/attempt-deviate sexual intercourse with a person less than 14 years old – aggravated sexual offense, and endangering the welfare of a child creating substantial risk – 1st offense.
According to the probable cause statement, Ryan Steinbruner called the West Plains Police on Nov. 23, 2022, reporting that his minor daughter had been sexually assaulted by his ex-wife, Nikita, during their visitation with her on Nov. 19.
According to the PC, the child was interviewed by the Child Advocacy Center and told the interviewer that her biological mother, Nikita, had made her watch pornography on a laptop computer and the details of the sexual assault.
The child’s sister was present in the house at the time and corroborated the story to investigators. It wasn’t until two days after the incident that the children were able to tell their father.
An interview was performed by the West Plains Police with the accused on Nov. 30, where she stated she had custody of her children during the time. Nikita Steinbruner denied the allegations to authorities during the interview. While initially agreeing to undergo a polygraph examination, Nikita later refused the examination after being advised by an attorney.
Nikita Steinbruner was released on $25,000 bond on March 3, 2023, according to online court documents, and has pled not guilty to the charges. She is scheduled for a criminal setting in the Howell County Courthouse on May 1, 2023, before Judge Robert Ray.
