Felony Arrest of Steven Sprague
Press Release
Subject: Felony Financial Exploitation of the Elderly
Date: November 11, 2026
Arrest Details:
Arrested Individual: Steven K. Sprague, of La Grange, Missouri
Arrest Date: November 07, 2026
Arrest Location: La Grange, Missouri
Arrest Agency: Lewis County Sheriff's Office / La Grange Police Department
Charge: Financial Exploitation of the Elderly
Incident Background:
Date of Incident: July 23, 2026
Location: La Grange, Missouri
Time: 0832 hours
Details:
On July 23, 2026, investigators were contacted by the branch manager of Town and Country Bank Midwest in La Grange, Missouri, regarding suspicious financial activity involving an elderly customer's bank accounts. Concerns included repeated overdrafts, questionable financial transactions, and checks written by Mr. Sprague, who claimed to have power of attorney over his father's financial affairs.
As the investigation progressed, investigators obtained and reviewed banking records revealing numerous transactions involving funds transferred to Mr. Sprague, including several checks written to himself.
On November 4, 2026, investigators with the Lewis County Sheriff's Office and La Grange Police Department interviewed Mr. Sprague regarding the financial concerns. During the interview, Mr. Sprague acknowledged using his father's funds and purchasing a race car, claiming the purchase had been made with his father's approval.
However, during a separate interview, the 92-year-old victim told investigators that he had never authorized the purchase of a race car and expressed concerns about his son's handling of his finances. The victim further reported that Mr. Sprague had refused repeated requests to provide his bank statements and credit cards and had allegedly used his money to purchase items for Mr. Sprague's personal residence without permission.
Investigators also reviewed legal documents related to Mr. Sprague's claimed power of attorney. The documentation required specific medical certification before the authority could become effective. Information obtained during the investigation raised concerns as to whether those requirements had been satisfied.
Further investigation revealed that Mr. Sprague purchased a race car from Shaw Race Cars, Inc., on June 6, 2026, for $16,672.84, according to documentation provided by the business.
On November 07, 2026 a probable cause statement was filed with Lewis County Prosecutor Chelsea Fellinger for the Class C Felony of Financial Exploitation of the Elderly. Mr. Sprague was placed on 24 hour hold pending formal charging from the courts.
Lewis County Prosecutor Chelsea Fellinger subsequently filed formal charges alleging Mr. Sprague committed the above stated charge.
On November 07, 2026, the Honorable Corey Moon, Associate Judge of Lewis County, issued a warrant for Mr. Sprague for financial exploitation of the elderly. Mr. Sprague is currently lodged at the Lewis County Jail in Monticello, Missouri, in lieu of a $25,000 cash-only bond.
The Lewis County Sheriff's Office was assisted by the La Grange Police Department and the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.
"All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law."
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Contact Information:
Lewis County Sheriff's Office
Phone: 573-767-5287
Website: www.lewiscosheriff.org
