Oran, Mo., teenager faces sex crime charges

BENTON, Mo. -- An Oran, Mo., teenager is in custody and faces several charges following a sexual abuse investigation by the Scott County Sheriff's Department.

James C. Griswell, 17, was arrested Wednesday and charged with two counts of deviant sexual assault, first-degree sexual misconduct and third-degree assault. Scott County Sheriff Rick Walter said in a news release that the department began its investigation earlier in the week after several people came forward with reports of crimes. Investigators obtained a search warrant for the suspect's residence in Oran, according to the release, and numerous articles related to the crimes were seized during a search Wednesday.

Walter said the investigation is ongoing and expects additional charges to be filed. A probable-cause statement says Griswell reportedly raped a female of undisclosed age at his Oran home in February. Griswell is in the Scott County Jail on a $25,000 cash-only bond.

Pertinent address:

Benton, MO

Oran, MO