Assault investigation – The Licking News

By Sheriff Scott K. Lindsey, Texas County Sheriff’s Office

On May 27, 2024 at approximately 4:15 p.m., Texas County officers responded to a reported assault at a residence on N Highway in the Licking area. A victim reported that Roger Counts punched and choked him. Officers noticed marks on the victim consistent with the reported assault. While speaking with Counts, he admitted to choking the victim. Officers told Counts he was under arrest and he refused commands and was taken into custody after a brief struggle. An officer was struck in the face by Counts’ elbow and sustained minor injuries. Counts was taken to jail.

District Attorney Parke Stevens charged Roger L. Counts Jr., 24, of Licking, Missouri, with second-degree domestic violence, third-degree assault as a victim, and resisting arrest. Counts is being held in the Texas County Jail pending a $5,000 cash bail.

The above charges are mere allegations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Evidence in support of the charges must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction, whose role it is to determine guilt or innocence.