Cape Girardeau Fire Department rescue workers search the diversion channel under the Highway 25 overpass on Wednesday, May 30, 2007 for Charles Rothman. (JOHN SACHEN ~ Delta Fire Protection District
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POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. — A Butler County Judge found Charles E. Rothman guilty of three counts of statutory rape at a bench trial on Wednesday.
The 65-year-old man, of Scott City, was arrested last May after apparently trying to fake his death to evade prosecution by setting his fishing boat adrift in the Diversion Channel.
Police caught up with him in Poplar Bluff and arrested him after he used his ATM card.
Rothman was found guilty of engaging in sex acts with a 13-year-old girl over several months. The three felony counts each carry a penalty of five years incarceration to life in prison.
Circuit Judge Mark Richardson authorized a sentencing assessment report, to be completed before a sentencing date can be scheduled.
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Bill him for all costs associated with the search and rescue efforts, to include the manpower costs.
Enjoy your time in prison, pervert. I hope you're popular.