Two individuals have been charged following a hotline call to the Osage County Division of Family Services for abuse.

Freddie D. Shirley, Jr., 50, whose home address was unknown at the time of this report, has been charged with statutory sodomy or attempted statutory sodomy (deviate sexual intercourse) with a person less than 12 years old.

Sherry M. Alvarado, 38, of Freeburg, was charged last week with two felony counts of abuse or neglect of a child (no sexual contact).

A no-bond arrest warrant has been issued for each of them, and both are in custody in Callaway County, awaiting extradition, according to Sheriff Mike Bonham.

Lucas J. Holterman, 44, of Freeburg, has likewise been charged with two felony counts of abuse or neglect of a child (no sexual contact) as he was allegedly acting in concert with Alvarado. An arrest warrant is pending.

“These are always hard cases because most of us have children and grandchildren,” said Bonham. “We pray for those who have been adversely affected by the actions alleged here.”
According to a probable cause statement filed by Deputy Andrew Koon, the investigation began in July after he was asked to follow up on a hotline call that alleged sexual abuse of a minor.

Upon making contact with the juvenile at his home, the youth told Koon that he had been sexually abused by Shirley. The juvenile’s sister, also a minor, made claims of abuse as well.
A search warrant was executed at the residence and physical evidence was seized.
Koon noted in his PC statement that Alvarado was aware of the sexual abuse but did not report it to law enforcement.

She is also accused of striking both juveniles with wooden objects several times, causing severe physical and emotional abuse.

According to Koon’s report, Alvarado knowingly acted in a manner that created a substantial risk to the life, body, or health of the children. The nature of the injury was described as protracted loss or impairment of leg function and pain to the buttocks resulting in the inability to walk or sit for a long period of time after being paddled with a bat-shaped wooden paddle. The children described being struck several times with her pants on and off with the paddle, which was a large board with holes cut out to look like a face with bleeding eyes. According to the juveniles, Alvarado threatened to hit them if they left the room without permission.

Both children also said they had not been to school in a year and are not enrolled in any educational program. The only schooling they received was via workbooks purchased at a store.

Bonham said he anticipates additional charges may be filed against both Alvarado and Shirley.