Phelps County Prosecuting Attorney

On Wednesday, April 29, 2026, a Texas County jury found Dustin Drennan, 37, of Rolla, guilty of five counts of Statutory So**my in the First Degree, two counts of Statutory R**e in the First Degree, one count of R**e in the First Degree, one count of So**my in the First Degree, and one Count of Child Molestation in the Second degree. The Honorable Zachary Armfield presided over the trial, which lasted 3 days. The case was prosecuted by Phelps County Prosecuting Attorney, Taylor Banholzer, and Phelps County Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, Jared Robinson.

From June 2018 to April 2021, Drennan had s*xual contact with his stepchild, starting at age 11. At trial, the victim testified before the jury as to what Drennan had done over the course of their childhood. The Defendant also testified. The jury deliberated for approximately two hours before returning guilty verdicts all ten counts presented to them.

Final sentencing is scheduled for June 3, 2026. At sentencing, Defendant faces up to 9 consecutive life sentences, plus 15 years for the child molestation count.

“This case has been in the works for a long time, due to no fault of the Victim. The Victim absolutely took their life back on the witness stand, that shows in the verdict.” Banholzer said. “Proud does not begin to explain how this office feels about this Victim’s resilience.”

This case was originally investigated by the Phelps County Sheriff’s Department and Children’s Division.

PHELPS COUNTY PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE

Heber Lewis Pleads Guilty to Assault in the First Degree for 10 Years

ROLLA, Mo. – On Monday, December 15, Heber Lewis pled guilty to Assault in the First Degree for a sentence of ten years in the Department Corrections. This is considered a dangerous felony under Missouri law, which would require him to serve 85% of his sentence before he can be considered for parole. The case was prosecuted through the Phelps County Prosecutor’s Office by Prosecutor Taylor Banholzer and Assistant Prosecutor Henry Surkamp.

The charges stem from an incident on the evening of December 5, 2024, at the Rolla Technical Institute. Lewis broke into school during evening sessions, causing a teacher to flee and classrooms to go on lockdown. Lewis then kicked multiple doors in the hall causing substantial damage. Another teacher confronted Lewis with a fire extinguisher; Lewis struck the teacher in the back of the head, knocking them to the ground and then struck him repeatedly about the head with the fire extinguisher. The teacher ultimately was able to overpower Lewis and restrained him till law enforcement arrived. Lewis then resisted law enforcement, requiring them to use a tazer to take him into custody.

“The safety of our schools is of the upmost importance to our Office,” said Assistant Phelps County Prosecuting Attorney Henry Surkamp. “I commend our teachers and law enforcement in their quick response that day, ensuring that Mr Lewis was stopped before any children were hurt.”

The plea agreement was the result of coordination and multiple discussions with school administration, teachers and the victim.

The Phelps County Prosecutor’s Office is appreciative of the efforts of all our law enforcement partners and remains committed to working with them to keeping our schools and the children of our community safe.