Preliminary hearing set in statutory sodomy case

A Cape Girardeau County teenager accused of having inappropriate conduct with a 7-year-old had his preliminary hearing set Monday by Associate Circuit Court Judge Gary A. Kamp.

Benjamin B. Harrison II, 17, is charged with felony statutory sodomy for allegedly forcing a 7-year-old to have oral sex.

A probable-cause affidavit filed in the case by Cape Girardeau County detective Jamie Malugen alleges the incident occurred where Harrison lives in Cape Girardeau.

The affidavit, which describes an interview between Harrison and Malugen, and also deputy Heather Vangennip, said Harrison confessed to the sodomy, claiming he'd smoked marijuana before the incident.

Additionally, the affidavit said Harrison told police he "just wasn't thinking" and apologized.

Harrison remains in custody on a $50,000 bond.