Editor’s Note: This article contains references to alleged sexual assault. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic or sexual violence, support is available 24/7 through the Christos House Crisis Hotline at 800-611-5853.
A West Plains man has been charged with first-degree rape and class E felony incest following a grand jury indictment in Howell County Circuit Court.
Shan Van Alst, 55, was arrested Thursday by the Howell County Sheriff’s Office after the indictment was returned in connection with an alleged June 2022 incident. He was released the same day after posting a $100,000 corporate surety bond, according to court records.
The indictment charges Van Alst with first-degree rape by forcible compulsion. It also alleges he is an aggravated sexual offender because the offense the offense involved a victim known to be a descendent by blood.
Van Alst is to appear for arraignment Monday before 37th Circuit Presiding Judge Steven Privette, according to court records.
The case is being prosecuted by Howell County Prosecutor Mike Hutchings and Assistant Prosecutor Rizwan Ahad.
