Man charged with molesting 8-year-old bound over to circuit level

A Jackson man charged with child molestation of a friend's 8-year-old daughter waived his right to a preliminary hearing Wednesday. Nicholas J. Goetz, 35, had his case bound over to the circuit level, where he will face a charge of first-degree child molestation.

On Wednesday, Goetz's lawyer, Steve Wilson, asked Judge Gary Kamp to waive the hearing, which is used to determine whether probable cause exists that the offense as charged has been committed.

Goetz remains in custody on $50,000 bond at the Cape Girardeau County jail. The offense carries possible punishment of up to 15 years.

Charges stem from allegations made by the girl's mother. The woman told police earlier this month that she asked Goetz to baby-sit the child and, upon her return, found her daughter had locked herself in a bedroom. Her daughter told her after she was coaxed out that Goetz had subjected her to sexual abuse.

The next phase of the case will take place in Judge William Syler's courtroom, beginning Dec. 3 with an arraignment.

Pertinent address:

100 Court St., Jackson, Mo.