JEFFERSON COUNTY, Mo. – The head of a homeowners association for a private lake community in Jefferson County is in hot water for allegedly attacking a new resident last fall.
According to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office’s probable cause statement, the incident occurred on Oct. 20, 2024, at the Valle Lake community off Highway V.
Investigators said the victim had recently moved into the community and rode his minibike to the gravel parking lot past the entry gate to wait for family to arrive. While waiting, the victim was confronted by Elmer P. Hearst Jr., the president of the Valle Lake Inc. Homeowners Association, who demanded to know his identity.
The victim told deputies he refused to provide Hearst with his personal information.
According to the probable cause statement, Hearst got out of vehicle, striking the victim’s minibike with the door. Hearst alleged wrapped his hands around the victim’s neck and then pushed him over while he straddled the minibike.
The Jefferson County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office charged Hearst with second-degree assault. Online court records did not show when Hearst would appear before a judge.