Missouri Man Accused Of Kidnapping Woman And Holding Her Captive In Basement Facing Five Life Sentences

A Missouri man accused of holding a Black woman captive in his basement for weeks is facing five life sentences after being indicted by a grand jury.

Clay County Prosecuting Attorney Zachary Thompson announced in a Tuesday press conference that a grand jury indicted Timothy Haslett Jr., 40, on nine charges. Five of the nine charges, which include attempted sodomy, rape, kidnapping, second degree assault and endangering the welfare of a child, carry the possibility of life in prison, plus 36 years, if he's convicted, according to a press release from the Clay County Sheriff's Office.

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The child endangerment charge stems from the allegation that an unsecured firearm was accessible to an 8-year-old, the press release stated.

"We would not be here today if not for the bravery of one woman and the tireless efforts of the men and women of 16 different agencies," said Thompson. "These public servants have followed up on over 100 separate leads, they have sought and obtained search warrants and investigative subpoenas — collectively, they have spent over 1,200 hours investigating this case."

Nonetheless, Thompson said the investigation into the alleged kidnapping and torture of the 22-year-old Black woman remains open and active.

Timothy Haslett Jr. Photo: Clay County Sheriff’s Office

He implored members of the public to come forward if they have any information on the suspect, adding that investigators are hoping to speak to Jaynie Crosdale, 36, who "may have information relevant to the case."

Police opened an investigation into Haslett in October, when residents of an Excelsior Springs, Missouri neighborhood reported that a woman wearing latex lingerie and a metal collar around her neck was crying in the streets for help. Resident Ciara Tharp, 38, told NBC News that her grandmother helped the young Black woman, who told her, "'I’ve been raped. He’s held me captive. You have to help me. He’s going to end up killing me.'"

The woman later told investigators that Haslett picked her up off Prospect Street in Kansas City in early September, before taking her to his home in Excelsior Springs — about 30 miles northeast of Kansas City, Missouri, according to a probable cause affidavit cited by NBC News. Once at his home, he held her in a small room in his basement, where she was allegedly restrained and repeatedly raped and beaten.

Tharp said the woman told her grandmother that she was able to escape Haslett's house when he took his son somewhere. "She said she took the opportunity. She flung the door open. She just ran," Tharp continued.

The woman additionally told investigators that there was another woman held captive in Haslett's home but investigators have not publicly confirmed the existence of other victims.

An Oct. 11 Facebook post from the Clay County Sheriff's Office stated that investigators are following every lead, but are keeping details private to maintain the integrity of the case.

"We know this is a scary thing to happen in our community, and Excelsior Springs has been through a lot lately. We have supported their police department with patrol help, investigative resources, public information assistance and more. You can show your support by keeping the rumor mill to a minimum and respecting the need for investigational integrity. There is no danger to the public at this time, and if there should be in the future, we will let you know," the post continued.

Haslett is due to appear in court for arraignment on Feb. 17. He's currently being held at Clay County Detention Center in lieu of $3 million bond.

If anyone has information regarding this case, please call the Excelsior Springs Police Department at 816-629-7108, or if you would like to remain anonymous, please contact the Greater KC Crime Stoppers/Tips Hotline here or call 816 474-TIPS.