Four Counts Now Facing Larson

Altamont resident Steven Larson made his initial court appearance on kidnapping counts Friday afternoon in Effingham County Circuit Court. 

The 60-year-old Larson is accused of taking 13-year-old Rebecca Neu of rural Effingham out of Effingham County on January 31. In addition to the two kidnapping counts, two additional charges were filed Friday. One is unlawful restraint, for taking the girl out of the county without her parents' consent, and the other is obstructing justice for allegedly throwing two cell phones out of the window a speeding car. The phones reportedly contained evidence that prosecutors say would indicate the unlawful restraint.

Effingham County State's Attorney Bryan Kibler said information is still coming in from various agencies investigating the incident, and said additional charges are possible. Kibler did not comment on the physical condition of the girl or the nature of the relationship between Larson and the girl. He said additional information in the case was received Friday that will be investigated.

Kibler also confirmed that another person, an unnamed juvenile girl, drove Larson and Neu to Sikeston, Missouri, where they were located early Sunday morning. That explains how Larson's car was found at the Amtrak station in Effingham, but they were found in Sikeston. Kibler said there aren't any charges pending against the driver.

Kibler said Larson, Neu's karate instructor, was supposed to drive her into his studio in Effingham for a lesson, and that there reportedly was supposed to be other students at the studio for the instruction. Later Saturday, Neu's parents contacted authorities when their daughter didn't return home. Authorities then located Larson's vehicle parked at the Amtrak station and a note was found inside. Kibler wasn't specific as to the contents of the note, but said it was addressed to the families involved and that there were portions of the note that led to concerns. An Amber Alert was issued and other law enforcement agencies became involved in the search. Early Sunday morning, Kibler obtained a warrant for Larson's arrest on kidnapping charges. About that same time, what Kibler termed a "citizen tip" was received that led authorities to Sikeston and Larson's arrest and the girl's return. 

Kibler said he doesn't know that Sikeston was Larson's final destination.

During Friday's court hearing, Judge Kimberly Koester appointed Public Defender Scott Schmidt to represent Larson, who told the judge he's on disability, that he's filing for bankruptcy, and that his wife is on disability. The judge ordered that Larson have no contact with Neu or anyone else under age 15, other than his own minor children.

Larson is next due in court the morning of February 18 for his first appearance with counsel. He's being held in Effingham County Jail under $250,000 bond.

The kidnapping counts are Class 2 felonies, punishable by up to three to seven years in prison, while the unlawful restraint and obstructing justice counts are Class 4 felonies, punishable by up to one to three years in prison.