Son of Lambert’s Cafe founder indicted on sex crimes

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — The son of Lambert’s Cafe founder was indicted earlier this month on several sex crimes.

The Springfield News-Leader reports 50-year-old Benjamin Lambert, who was previously involved in running the Lambert's Cafe location in Ozark, Mo., was indicted on five charges by a grand jury earlier this month, including two counts of sex trafficking of a child.

Prosecutors say Lambert had a nude photo of a child posing in front of a mirror at his home. The charges relate to actions in 2015.

Lambert was arrested last week and was being held in lieu of $100,000 bond. Court records don't list an attorney for him.

Lambert's Cafe released a statement this weekend on Facebook. It reads:

“We were surprised and saddened to hear the news and charges of Ben’s indictment. While Ben is the son of Norman Lambert, he has not been active in the management of the store in recent years.

This indictment is strictly related to Ben’s personal life, but, if asked, we will cooperate with authorities. Lambert’s would never condone the behavior of this nature. Lambert’s Cafe will continue to be a destination for family entertainment.”

Documents say Benjamin Lambert had been involved with the Ozark restaurant for more than two decades and was on the board of directors of the Lambert’s Cafe in Ozark when the restaurant was incorporated in 1992.

The Ozark restaurant opened in 1994 and is one of three locations, with the original being in Sikeston and the other in Alabama.

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Information from: Springfield News-Leader, http://www.news-leader.com, and the Associated Press