Child molestation charge made to police

Cape Girardeau police are investigating charges made Tuesday of child molestation, prompted by the claims of a 13-year-old girl who recently alerted a parent that the abuse had been a regular occurrence for the last five years.

The incidents began in another jurisdiction and have been committed by someone the victim knows, according to Cape Girardeau Police Department spokesman Darin Hickey.

The abuse continued after the girl moved with her family to Cape Girardeau, Hickey said. He declined to provide specifics about any suspect.

No arrests have been made, Hickey said, adding that cases like these are delicate and almost always require additional expertise from other agencies.

Here, for example, Beacon Health Center conducted forensic interviews with the victim and family members. The only time the department takes immediate action is if the victim is in imminent danger and that's not the case here, Hickey said.

Pertinent address:

40 S. Sprigg St., Cape Girardeau, MO