Mississippi County couple face rape, sodomy charges

CHARLESTON, Mo. — A Bertrand, Missouri, couple face first-degree rape and sodomy charges following a multi-agency investigation in Mississippi County, Missouri.

Christina Shaw

Christina Shaw

According to Mississippi County Sheriff Britton Ferrell, an investigation between the Mississippi County Sheriff’s Office and the Department of Health and Senior Services Special Investigations Unit led to the arrest of Martin Shaw, 40, and Christina Shaw, 40, of Bertrand.

On Friday arrest warrants and a search warrant were granted and executed on for 403 Evelyn St. in Bertrand, where investigators and sheriff’s deputies took the couple into custody, Ferrell said.

An individual came forth on Feb. 24 reporting they were forced to have unwanted sexual acts with the Shaws, according to Ferrell. The individual said this happened to them on more than three different occasions spanning from Dec. 25, 2019, through Feb. 24. The victim told investigators the acts happened in the home, outside of the home and in a vehicle parked outside the home, the sheriff said.

The victim alleged the Shaws would push them to the ground, pull their hair and slap them in the face during the sexual acts; the victim reported they repeatedly told the Shaws they did not want to be hit or to have sex with them, Ferrell said.

A search of past Department of Health and Senior Services reports showed Christina Shaw mentioned the victim during a protective services case, in which she referred to them as having a “mental handicap.”

During the interview, investigators determined the victim was of diminished mental capacity which led to the victim being assessed by a mental health physician. It was determined the victim had a low functioning IQ of 48. Evidence and items gathered at the address on Evelyn Street support the claims made by the victim. A camera and cell phones were also confiscated at the house as well as drug paraphernalia.

Martin Shaw and Christina Shaw are currently being housed at the Mississippi County Jail in Charleston on one count of first degree rape and two counts of first degree sodomy each with a $100,000 cash/surety bond. Additional drug charges are pending as well as a non-compliance charge for Martin Shaw as he is a registered sex offender.

“This case is a perfect example of how successful multiagency collaboration can bring justice to victims and help aid in their safety and healing,” said lead investigator Jessica Phelps. “All the agencies involved had a role in making sure this dangerous situation was resolved so the victim can be safe.”

Ferrell thanked all the agencies and offices involved. Phelps and Regional Investigations Manager Branden Caid as well as victim advocate offices of Susanna Wesley, Network Against Sexual Violence and Mississippi County Prosecutor Darren Cann are to be commended for their work, the sheriff said. “This is what we do: We fight for the people who need our help,” Ferrell said. “People who prey on others have no place in Mississippi County.”