Oran, Mo., man arrested on misconduct, statutory sodomy charges

An Oran-area man is in custody on a $100,000 cash-only bond after being charged with crimes against a child.

Jesse John Branson, 37, of 828 Route CC near Oran was charged with sexual misconduct involving a child and first-degree statutory sodomy, both felonies, according to a news release from the Scott County Sheriff's Department.

Scott County Detective Jessica Martin responded to a complaint Monday that a 5-year-old child had been sexually assaulted, the release said. After a full investigation, Branson was arrested and a search warrant was executed by detectives and deputies at the Branson residence. Evidence believed to support the criminal case was taken from the home, according to the release.

The sheriff's department said no further information would be released at this time because of the victim's age and the sensitive nature of the case. Sheriff Rick Walter stressed that crimes against children carry serious penalties -- not just jail time, but the possible loss of custody, restricted visitation, sex offender registration, restrictions on future employment and even legal limitations on where offenders may live and work.

Walter asks anyone with information regarding this or any other crime to contact the sheriff's office at 573-545-3525 or leave a message on the crime tip line at 1-866-210-4322.