In Cooper County, a 42-year-old man named Sam Shetler is facing several serious charges following a series of allegations related to operations at a retreat called “Mercy and Truth.”
According to court records, Shetler has been charged with three counts of forced labor, four counts of false imprisonment, one count of sexual abuse, one count of first-degree sexual assault, and one count of involuntary manslaughter. He has pleaded not guilty.
Authorities stated the charges stem from multiple incidents dating back to 2014. Among these, the investigation into the death of a 6-month-old infant in March 2025 has drawn particular attention.
Investigative documents show the child had been ill for several days with severe respiratory distress. The family brought the child to Shetler after he claimed to have medical knowledge. Shetler instructed them to use lavender essential oil in a diffuser to aid breathing. After a nap, the child was found unresponsive and died at the scene. This is one of several tragic cases involving infant deaths that have recently shocked the public.
Autopsy results indicated the cause of death was related to pneumonia along with various viruses, including RSV and the virus that causes COVID-19.
Additionally, several former retreat participants provided testimony regarding abuse and control. One woman reported that Shetler engaged in unwanted physical contact and threatened to prevent her from leaving, similar to allegations of past sexual abuse often seen in highly controlling organizations. Three other women, who were 19–20 years old at the time, recounted being forced to take large quantities of pills daily—sometimes up to 80 pills—accompanied by allegations of psychological control.
Some witnesses also described forms of punishment for children at the facility, reflecting an alarming trend of child abuse occurring silently in various communities.
Police confirmed the investigation is based on numerous interviews and documents gathered from individuals who had contact with Shetler. The case continues in local court, marking one of the latest legal challenges in the area following incidents where Missouri police officers were killed in the line of duty.
