LINN — Samuel Levi Hudson, State Tech’s chief information officer, was charged April 24 in a felony Phelps County warrant alleging three counts of deviate sexual sodomy against a male victim less than 14 years of age. 

According to the Phelps County grand jury indictment filed April 24 as a “true bill,” Hudson allegedly touched the child’s genitals with his hand and also with a vibrator. The three-count grand jury indictment cited incidents which allegedly occurred between May 15, 2022, and Aug. 31, 2023, in Phelps County.

Osage County Sheriff Mike Bonham confirmed that the Osage County Sheriff’s Office attempted to arrest Hudson at the college on May 1, however Hudson left campus before deputies got to him. Hudson was stopped and arrested Wednesday by members of the Vienna Police Department, who turned him over to Phelps County deputies.

The indictment carries a $250,000 cash or surety bond. The grand jury’s order for a warrant listed Hudson as a “danger to the victim” and the community. It prohibits Hudson from having any contact with the victim or the victim’s family.

On Jan. 8, 2024, 25th Circuit Court Judge Mark D. Calvert granted a one year order of protection to a minor against Hudson, however it is unclear at this time whether that was for the same child involved in these charges.

Hudson’s attorney, Mark Allan Hammer, filed a motion for bond reduction, which was denied at the plea hearing by Associate Circuit Judge Kenneth Clayton. The court determined that the bond currently set is sufficient and appropriate, and that Hudson presents a danger to the community and/or the alleged victim.

Hudson waived arraignment and entered a plea of not guilty.

The case is being turned over to Division II, and trial is scheduled to begin at 1 pm on May 20, 2024, under Judge John D. Beger.

State Tech’s Director of Marketing, Brandon McElwain, said only “Mr. Hudson is currently employed as our Chief Information Officer. We are aware of the charges and it is a personal matter. We have no further comment at this time.”