Kewanee man is facing felony charges of child molestation

Wednesday, June 7, 2017

BENTON, Mo. -- A Kewanee man faces felony charges of child molestation in Scott County.

Anthony L. "Tony" Kiser, 41, of Kewanee is charged with first-degree child molestation and felony sexual misconduct or attempt involving a child under 15, according to online court records. He is scheduled to be arraigned at 9 a.m. June 21 in the Scott County Associate Division Court.

According to the probable cause affidavit by Jessica Martin, a detective with the Scott County Sheriff's Office, on May 24 she was assigned to investigate a child abuse and neglect hotline referral of sexual abuse. Martin said she learned during a juvenile's hospitalization the child told a hospital social worker that Kiser had touched her inappropriately when the child was 12 years old.

Martin said just the day before -- May 23 -- a Scott County deputy responded to a residence in Sikeston to assist a Children's Division investigator. Martin said the child told the investigator Kiser had touched her breasts, provided her with alcohol and had her exercise while nude. A safe exam was scheduled at the Southeast Missouri Network Against Sexual Violence.

During the safe exam interview on June 1, the child said Kiser had tried to sleep in her bed and made comments about seeing her naked from June 1, 2011, to Aug. 1, 2011. The child said Kiser also provided her with alcoholic beverages and touched her breasts between March 1, 2012, and June 1, 2012, according to the probable cause statement.

At about 2 p.m. June 2, Martin said she conducted an interview with Kiser, who denied all of the allegations and invoked his rights before the interview ended.

The probable cause statement noted a second investigation involving another juvenile is pending.

Kiser was placed under arrest on a 24-hour hold, pending the issuance of a warrant. Bond is set at $50,000 cash/surety, and he bonded out of the Scott County Jail. He was also ordered to have no contact with the victim(s) or minors.

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