Additional charges filed in child-molestation case

CHARLESTON, Mo. -- An East Prairie, Missouri, man will be arraigned Wednesday on additional charges of sexual abuse after further investigation by the Mississippi County Sheriff's Department.

Arlen "Russ" Lee Jones, 76, initially was charged with three counts of first-degree statutory sodomy, first-degree child molestation and first-degree endangering the welfare of a minor.

On Friday, six more counts of first-degree statutory sodomy, first-degree child molestation and first-degree endangering the welfare of a minor were filed.

Jones is scheduled to be arraigned on the new charges at 9:15 a.m. Wednesday before Associate Judge S. Rob Barker.

The new investigation by deputies, conducted with help from the Missouri Children's Division and the Beacon Health Center in Cape Girardeau, identified other victims. According to a report submitted by deputy Cory Hutcheson, each incident involved a victim younger than 6 years old while the children were entrusted to Jones' care.

Jones remains in custody with bond set at $1.5 million, cash only.

Pertinent address:

East Prairie, Mo.