New Madrid man accused of molesting 12-year-old

A New Madrid, Missouri, man was arrested Friday on suspicion of molesting a 12-year-old girl in Sikeston, Missouri.

Demetrio Hernandez-Garcia, 33, is charged with felony statutory sodomy and child molestation.

The girl told a school counselor about the incident and also told officers at the Beacon Health Center that Hernandez-Garcia kissed her, placed his hand on her genitals and made her touch his genitals, according to a probable-cause report. The victim said it happened only once, the report stated.

Hernandez-Garcia spoke to officers via a telephone translator after he was read his Miranda rights in Spanish, the report stated. He admitted to touching the victim but said it was over her clothing. He said it happened in the room where he was living in Sikeston, according to the report.

Hernandez-Garcia's bond was set at $50,000 cash or surety.

Pertinent address:

New Madrid, Mo.