The Reporter newspaper, Camdenton Missouri

The Reporter covers Miller, Morgan and Camden County in Central Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks and is published once per week on Wednesdays.

Published August 15, 2018

Man charged in ‘hate crime’

CAMDEN COUNTY - An Ellsinore MO man has found himself behind bars after being arrested for an alleged “hate crime.”

In a press release issued last week from the Camden County Prosecuting Attorney’s office and another from the Camden County Sheriff’s Department (CCSD), Allen M. Loftis, 22, from Ellsinore, MO, was charged in an alleged assault at a lake area business.

On August 4 at approximately 12:15 am, deputies from the CCSD responded to a business on Sweet William Road in Lake Ozark in reference to an alleged assault.

Due to that incident, the Camden County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office (CCPAO) has charged Loftis with three felony counts of assault motivated by discrimination – 3rd degree and one count of Peace Disturbance, First Offense (misdemeanor).

It is alleged that Loftis punched three people at a local bar because Loftis believed the victims were homosexual. At least one person was injured as a result of Loftis’s alleged actions.

“Loftis was quoted by the arresting officer as saying that he, ‘does not let gay stuff go on,’” the CCPAO stated.

While the office of the Prosecuting Attorney cannot comment on an open case, PA Heather Miller stated, “My office continues to work with law enforcement, local businesses, and all citizens to make sure that the Lake is a place we are proud to call home. It is vital to our success as a community that we are able to go about our lives without fear of assault or of harassment. The Office of the Prosecuting Attorney remains committed to the safety of those that live in Camden County and those who visit our beautiful lake.”

Loftis posted the $75,000 bond (through Hilton Bail Bonds) and is scheduled to appear before Judge Aaron Koeppen on September 11 for initial arraignment.