Former Principal of Missouri Christian Boarding School Charged with Sexual Abuse of Student

Allegations Surface Against Former Lighthouse Christian Academy Principal

Craig Wesley Smith Jr., former principal of Lighthouse Christian Academy, a Missouri Christian boarding school that closed earlier this year, faces serious charges of forcible sodomy and attempted forcible rape of a former student. Prosecutors in Wayne County formally filed charges in September, accusing Smith of assaulting a teenage girl in the late 2000s, warning her that he would “make it look like she committed suicide” if she disclosed the abuse.

Smith is set to appear in court on Thursday in Wayne County, though he and his attorney have not yet responded publicly to the allegations.

Closure of Lighthouse Christian Academy and Additional Abuse Allegations

Lighthouse Christian Academy, a boarding school run by ABM Ministries, officially closed in March following a series of abuse allegations involving both staff and administrators. The school reportedly specialized in supporting students with behavioral and learning disorders, as well as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

School owners Larry and Carmen Musgrave, along with a teacher, Caleb Sandoval, faced charges earlier this year. The Musgraves were charged with first-degree kidnapping for allegedly confining a student in a locked room, but these charges were dismissed by a judge on October 15. Prosecutor Ginger Koller Joyner declined to comment on the dismissal.

Sandoval faced charges of child abuse for reportedly injuring a 15-year-old boy in a boxing incident. In July, he pleaded guilty and received a five-year probation sentence.

History of Abuse Allegations Against Smith and Settlement Details

In 2009, Smith was named in a federal lawsuit accusing him of engaging in sexual acts with a female student, though it is unclear if this individual is the same as the current victim in the criminal case. Records indicate that ABM Ministries and the Musgraves paid a settlement of $750,000 in response to the allegations, with Smith contributing $100,000 as part of the agreement.

New State Legislation Aims to Regulate Religious Boarding Schools

The abuse cases at these Missouri religious boarding schools prompted legislative action in 2021, introducing regulations for facilities of this nature. Prior to this, Missouri had little oversight of religious boarding institutions, leading to a significant gap in protections for students.

The state law enacted in 2021 now imposes stricter guidelines and accountability measures for religious boarding schools, marking a critical shift toward safeguarding vulnerable students.