A man from Ozark County is facing charges of sex abuse with a minor.

The full release below is from the Missouri State Highway Patrol:

The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control (DDCC) announces the arrest of Edward A. Britt, 71, of Gainesville, MO. Britt was arrested on February 5, 2026, in connection with a sexual abuse investigation conducted by the Troop G Criminal Investigative Unit of the Missouri State Highway Patrol. DDCC investigators were assisted by the Ozark County Sheriff’s Office.

On September 16, 2025, the Ozark County Sheriff’s Office requested DDCC to investigate allegations of child sex abuse, involving Britt. During the investigation, investigators obtained evidence which corroborated witness statements and determined the rape and abuse began in 1993 and continued for years. On February 5, 2026, DDCC investigators arrested Britt in connection with the assault/rape. Britt was transported to the Douglas County Jail and placed on an investigative hold.

On February 6, 2026, the Ozark County Prosecuting Attorney formally charged Britt with one count each: Rape (victim less than 14 years old), Forcible Sodomy, 2nd-Degree Statutory Sodomy, and Incest. Britt is being held in the Douglas County Jail, without bond.

The above charges are mere accusations and are not evidence of guilt. Evidence in support of these charges must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence. DDCC encourages individuals to promptly report to the Patrol or local law enforcement, anyone who commits crimes against children.