UPDATE: Scott County deputy arrested for sexual misconduct

BENTON, Mo. — A Scott County deputy has been formally charged on allegations of sexual misconduct.

Brandon Cook, 29, of Scott City is charged with felony second-degree statutory sodomy, according to online court records.

According to a news release from Scott County Prosecuting Attorney Paul Boyd, the Scott County Sheriff’s office was informed at approximately 2:30 a.m. Thursday. that a deputy may have had sexual contact with a minor in the last hour. Scott County Sheriff Wes Drury contacted the Missouri Highway Patrol Division of Drug and Crime Control around 3:50 a.m. to investigate the case to ensure an objective inquiry.

The DDCC began the investigation around 7 a.m. and talked to the witnesses, the alleged victim and the alleged perpetrator. The DDCC submitted a probable cause affidavit around 4 p.m. to the Scott County Prosecutor’s office. The DDCC also completed three search warrants for two phones and a Facebook account with the results still pending for further prosecution review. The investigation is still ongoing.

“I am very disappointed with the alleged actions of the officer,” Drury said. “My office expects all employees to maintain professional standards and high moral values. The actions of this former deputy does not represent the integrity of all law enforcement officers, especially those employed by the Scott County Sheriff’s Office.”

Scott County Prosecutor’s office filed the charge and a warrant was issued. Cook is currently being housed at the Cape Girardeau County Jail under a $50,000 cash or surety bond with conditions not to have contact with any minors or the alleged victim in the case.

Boyd requested Cape Girardeau County Prosecutor Chris Limbaugh be appointed as a Special Prosecutor in the case to mitigate any appearance of bias. Limbaugh agreed to the appointment and should be designated by court order as the Special Prosecutor shortly.

It should be noted that all defendants are presumed to be innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.