Attorney General's News Release

September 20, 1996

Nixon files additional charges against former West Plains psychiatrist facing criminal complaint for sexual assault

Jefferson City, Mo. — Attorney General Jay Nixon today filed additional criminal charges in Howell County Circuit Court against William D. Cone, a former West Plains psychiatrist who previously had been charged with 29 counts of sexual assault and deviate sexual assault.

Cone now also faces two felony charges of attempting to commit felony stealing and four charges of misdemeanor stealing. The charges allege Cone appropriated, or attempted to appropriate, Medicaid funds from the state for psychiatric medical services that Cone represented that he had provided to two female patients.

The dates in those charges, between November 1993 and January 1994, coincide with dates in the previous charges of sexual assault and deviate sexual assault. The previous charges, filed by Nixon on July 31, allege Cone had sexual intercourse and deviate sexual intercourse with patients who were incapacitated at the time.

Each of the counts of attempt to commit the class C felony of stealing is a class D felony, punishable by up to five years in prison. Each of the counts of class A misdemeanor stealing is punishable by up to one year in prison.

Sexual assault and deviate sexual assault are Class C felonies under Missouri law, punishable by up to seven years in prison. The charges against Cone are merely accusations; as in all criminal cases, the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

Inquiries from consumers should be directed to consumer@ago.mo.gov or 1-800-392-8222 (from within Missouri) or 573-751-3321 (outside Missouri).

All media inquiries should be directed to Press Secretary John Fougere.

E-mail      Phone: 573-751-8844         Fax: 573-751-5818