Man faces statutory rape charges

Zechariah L. James, 30, 1014 Merriwether St., faces charges of first-degree statutory rape, stemming from an incident that occurred Friday, according to a probable-cause statement.

The victim's mother brought her to the police station Friday, reporting that the 12-year-old child had been raped.

Police separated the victim and questioned her, according to the statement.

She described "cuddling" with James at a Cape Girardeau residence, according to the statement.

He then undressed and raped her, the statement said.

The victim said James left soon after the incident, and that she told her cousin about it, who informed her family.

As soon as her mother learned about the incident, she took the child to the police department to make a report.

The child said she does not want James to "get in trouble," the statement said.

Bond for James was set at $50,000 cash or surety.

James has several prior offenses, including unlawful use of a weapon, possession of a controlled substance and assault on a law enforcement officer.