Homeless man charged with forcible sodomy, robbery

A homeless man has been charged by Cape Girardeau police with forcible sodomy and second-degree robbery, as well as attempted robbery and attempted kidnapping, in connection with two separate incidents.

Travis Leslile Dippold, 26, faces charges of forcible sodomy and second-degree robbery for an alleged attack on a motel maid Thursday, according to a news release from Cape Girardeau County Prosecuting Attorney Morley Swingle.

A probable-cause statement by Cpl. Jeffrey R. Bohnam said the maid was cleaning a Cape Girardeau motel room when Dippold attacked her. The statement said Dippold placed the maid on a bed and threatened to kill her if she made a noise.

Dippold allegedly forced her to engage in sexual acts with him. The statement said he then left the maid tied to the bed with pieces of material torn from the sheets and stole cash from her pants before fleeing.

Dippold is also charged with the attempted robbery and attempted kidnapping of a 23-year-old woman Friday in her car in the parking lot of Kohl's. Patrolman Roy W. Rahn, in his probable-cause statement, said the woman was in her car when Dippold approached the driver's door, pulled it open and told her to move or he would kill her.

The woman began honking the horn of her car and screamed. The statement said Dippold attempted to put his hand over her mouth to silence her but could not keep her from honking.

Those nearby noticed the noise and Dippold fled on foot. A bystander followed Dippold to a field near the store, the statement said.

Rahn and police dog Bolo arrived minutes after the attempted carjacking. The bystanders directed Rahn to where Dippold had fled. Rahn then issued a verbal warning that Bolo would be released and would bite him if Dippold failed to come out. Dippold then turned himself in.

The incident was on Bolo's final day as a police dog. Bolo had worked at the Cape Girardeau Police Department since 2002. The dog will now spend his retirement with Rahn and his family. Swingle said Rahn will begin training a new police dog Monday.

Dippold's bond is set at $500,000.

bblackwell@semissourian.com

388-3628