Tennesee man denies charges involving child

NEW MADRID, Mo. - A Tennessee man has denied charges of child molestation saying it was the child who assaulted him.

Patrick Jackson, 48, of Memphis, Tenn., is charged with first degree sodomy and first degree child molestation.

According to the probable cause statement filed by B.P. Shelly with the Portageville Police Department, a woman contacted him Dec. 23 reporting a possible sexual assault of a child less than 14 years of age.

During a forensic interview at the SEMO-NASV in Cape Girardeau, the child told authorities Jackson, had assaulted her approximately 10 or more times. The most recent assault was Dec. 23, according to the child.

The officer wrote in the probable cause statement that the child stated Jackson came into her bedroom about 10 a.m. Dec. 23 and touched her inappropriately and more. Jackson reportedly told the child not to tell anyone of the incident.

During a physical examination of the child, authorities found physical signs “consistent with sexual abuse,” the officer noted in the probable cause statement.

At a bond reduction hearing conducted Dec. 31 before Associate Judge Joshua Underwood, Jackson’s bond was reduced to $50,000 cash or surety from $75,000. Also he is to have no contact with minor children.

According to online court record, Underwood set 10 a.m. Jan. 28 for a preliminary hearing for Jackson on the charges.