Farmington man confesses to 2003 child molestation

A Farmington, Mo., man confessed to molesting a teenage boy in a case the victim reported more than four years after the abuse occurred, according to a sworn statement filed with the Circuit Court in Cape Girardeau County.

Jacob W. Fox, 24, was interviewed May 6 at the Farmington Police Department by Cape Girardeau County sheriff's detective Jamie Malugen and Farmington police officers. During the interview, he confirmed the teen's story of abuse and voluntarily wrote a statement detailing his actions, Malugen wrote in the sworn statement.

He said in the statement that Fox had said he was truly sorry and wanted the vitim to know that he never wanted him to be hurt. "Mr. Fox also wanted to ask for forgiveness and that he needed counseling so he could make things better not only for himself but for everybody," Malugen wrote.

Prosecutors filed charges Monday, accusing Fox of first-degree statutory sodomy and first-degree child molestation. Both charges are felonies. The sodomy charge carries a possible life sentence and the molestation charge could result in a 15-year prison sentence.

Associate Circuit Judge Gary A. Kamp set a $50,000 cash-only bond. Fox is not in custody yet, said Lt. David James of the Cape Girardeau County Sheriff's Department. Fox is expected to turn himself in, James said.

According to the sworn statement, the allegations came to light March 3 when the victim went to the Network Against Sexual Violence to tell his story. Malugen observed the interview with the teen, now considered a legal adult.

The victim said when he was 13 and living in northeast Cape Girardeau County, Fox molested him in his bedroom. The victim said Fox warned him against telling anyone and he thought Fox would hurt him if he did so.

The details were confirmed in by Fox, who told Malugen that the incident took place in October or November 2003.

As part of his conditions for release if he is able to post bail, Fox will be ordered to stay away from the victim, the victim's residence and the victim's workplace.

No court date has been set.

rkeller@semissourian.com

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