Attorney General's News Release

August 1, 1996

Nixon files 29 criminal counts of sexual assault and deviate sexual assault against West Plains psychiatrist

Jefferson City, Mo. — Attorney General Jay Nixon yesterday afternoon (July 31) filed 29 criminal counts of sexual assault and deviate sexual assault against a psychiatrist who formerly practiced in West Plains.

William D. Cone, 72, was charged in Howell County Circuit Court with 16 counts of sexual assault for allegedly having sexual intercourse with two patients who were incapacitated at the time. He also was charged with 13 counts of deviate sexual assault for allegedly having deviate sexual intercourse with the same two patients who were incapacitated at the time. The charges concern assaults that allegedly happened between November 1993 and January 1994.

Nixon's office was appointed as special prosecutor to investigate the matter last December. Each of the counts is a Class C felony under Missouri law, punishable by up to seven years in prison. The charges against Cone are merely accusations; as in all criminal cases, the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

Inquiries from consumers should be directed to consumer@ago.mo.gov or 1-800-392-8222 (from within Missouri) or 573-751-3321 (outside Missouri).

All media inquiries should be directed to Press Secretary John Fougere.

E-mail      Phone: 573-751-8844         Fax: 573-751-5818