An Ozark County man, 52-year-old Jerry Studdard of Wasola, who was arrested in November on multiple sexual assault charges, has been granted a supervised bond release.
The Ozark County Times reports Studdard was granted the supervised release last week during a hearing before Associate Judge Cynthia MacPherson.
At the time of his arrest, Ozark County Sheriff Darrin Reed said Studdard was charged after a lengthy investigation, with the cases dating back as far as 2007.
Studdard has been charged with one count of forcible sodomy, deviate sexual intercourse by forcible compulsion, and two counts of statutory sodomy.
The Times reports a court document filed in the case indicates the release is a personal surety bond, also known as own recognizance or an OR release, in which Studdard gives his word that he will appear at his hearings. Failing to do so will result in Studdards bond being revoked, and he will owe a court-ordered bond of $100,000.
Studdard is required to be supervised by Court Probationary Services, Inc., a private offender-supervision company that serves an eight-county area including Ozark County. Studdard was also reportedly released to the custody of Paul Garrison of Springfield, who agreed to have Studdard stay with him at all times and also agreed to report any violations of the terms of the bond immediately to the Ozark County Sheriffs Office and the court. The documents do not indicate how Garrison is related to Studdard.
Studdard is also required to abide by the following stipulations: have no contact with any of the 12 children involved in the case through first or third parties; have no contact with the children through any media formats including phone, text, email or any other format; pay all costs charged by CPS associated with the case; report weekly to CPS; have no contact with co-defendants or others involved in the criminal prosecution; have no contact with other individuals who are on probation, parole, bond or convicted or charged with felonies; have no contact with state witnesses; not consume alcohol or drugs that have not been prescribed by a physician; not leave the state; surrender his drivers license to his attorney and not operate a motor vehicle.
Studdard is also not allowed to leave to seek work but can meet with his attorney, travel for medical care or pharmaceutical needs. Pursuing recreational activities or driving is also not allowed.
Studdard is ordered to return to court April 24 for a preliminary hearing.
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