The Missouri attorney general’s office has filed a civil commitment case against a career criminal she says meets Missouri’s criteria as a sexually violent predator (SVP).
Attorney General Catherine Hanaway describes 42-year-old Benjamin Walts as a violent predator with a long history of sexual abuse and violent offenses against minors and adults. Walts remains in custody due to pending SVP proceedings.
His criminal history dates back 24 years to a 2002 Florida conviction for sexual battery involving a 14-year-old girl. He also has other convictions for felonious restraint, kidnapping and sexual abuse.
General Hanaway says Walts is sexually attracted to forced or coercive sex, noting he was recently arrested for sexually assaulting a Warrensburg woman and for loitering near a school. Walts was scheduled to be released on July 11 but remains in custody through the entirety of the SVP proceedings. His next court appearance is set for August 27.