New charge filed against Niangua Sober Living Operator

The founder of a Niangua-based sober living program already facing multiple felony charges has now been charged with child abuse following disturbing new allegations.

Isaac Lee Tilden, director of Divine Compassion Ministries and operator of Compassion House, was charged in Webster County Circuit Court with Abuse or Neglect of a Child—Serious Emotional or Physical Injury under Missouri law. The charge, filed August 26, stems from allegations that Tilden physically and emotionally abused a minor and knowingly allowed registered sex offenders from his ministry program to have access to her and other children.

According to the probable cause statement, the investigation began after a report was made on June 30, alleging that a juvenile girl had been sexually assaulted by two men connected to Divine Compassion Church, which Tilden owns. One suspect was identified as Josiah Lyon, a participant in Tilden’s sober living program, while the second man was described only as a “shaggy man.”

During a July 9 forensic interview at the Child Advocacy Center in Springfield, the child told investigators she was regularly subjected to physical discipline by Tilden, including being struck in the face and paddled, sometimes leaving visible marks. She described being locked outside without food or water, forced to seek help from relatives. The child also said she and other children lived in fear, claiming Tilden yelled, cursed, and called them names. She further disclosed that men associated with the sober living program followed her, made derogatory comments, and touched her inappropriately. She said she reported the incidents to Tilden but was told she was “being dramatic” and later accused of lying. Despite the disclosures, investigators say Tilden continued to allow the men access to the victim and other children.

This latest charge comes just weeks after Tilden was arrested on six felony counts of Abusing an Individual Through Forced Labor, following a multi-year investigation into allegations that he coerced program residents into unpaid labor under threat of expulsion. Those charges detailed reports of residents being forced into roofing, farm work, construction, and retail labor without pay, often under unsafe conditions. Tilden was initially held without bond in July before being granted a $100,000 surety bond, which he posted on July 28. He now remains under investigation for multiple additional felonies, and authorities said further charges are expected.

Compassion House has operated as a sober living and spiritual rehabilitation facility in Webster County, advertising mentorship and workforce reentry for participants at $500 per month. However, residents have described the program as exploitative. Investigators now allege that Tilden’s misconduct extended to his own family.

The Webster County Sheriff’s Office is continuing to investigate. Officials encouraged anyone with further information to come forward.