Man charged with molesting relative

BENTON, Mo. -- A rural Scott City man is in trouble for allegedly molesting a young relative.

Todd Michael Kluesner, 41, is charged with felony attempted first-degree statutory sodomy, attempted deviant sexual intercourse with another person younger than 14 and misdemeanor third-degree assault.

Scott County Sheriff Rick Walter said about 3 p.m. Tuesday, deputy Zac Harris helped the Missouri Department of Social Services, Children's Division, in reference to allegations of molestation.

According to the initial report, Kluesner had sexual contact with a family member younger than 14. Harris believed probable cause existed to make an arrest in the case. Harris drove to the Scott City residence where Kluesner was arrested and transported him to the Scott County Jail pending formal charges.

Det. Jessica Martin assisted with the investigation, and a safe exam was scheduled at the Beacon Health Center for Wednesday. After the exam was completed and further information was provided, formal charges were filed by Scott County Prosecuting Attorney Paul Boyd.