Missouri Court of Appeals, Southern District / Aug 27, 2024
STATE OF MISSOURI, Respondent v. CHAZ D. LEWIS, Appellant
Chaz D. Lewis was convicted of unlawful transfer or surrender of custody of his minor daughter after leaving her with her grandparents while he served a 60-day jail sentence for contempt in a family court case. Lewis appealed, arguing insufficient evidence because his actions did not constitute a permanent transfer or surrender of custody under section 453.110. The appellate court agreed, reversing the judgment of conviction and entering a judgment of acquittal, holding that the statute does not apply to temporary care where the parent retains the right to supervise and resume custody.