Scott City man accused of rape, molestation of girl

BENTON, Mo. -- A Scott City man is in custody on rape and child molestation charges after a weekend party.

Zachary T. Cotner, 21, is charged with second-degree statutory rape, second-degree child molestation and three counts of supplying liquor to a minor. Bond on the charges is $35,000 cash only.

According to Scott County Sheriff Rick Walter, his office was contacted Wednesday regarding a sexual assault that occurred last weekend.

"A 15-year-old female reported being raped while she was at a party at a residence outside of Scott City," Walter said in a news release. "Cotner, who was identified as a suspect, was interviewed during the investigation and admitted having sexual contact with the victim."

The sheriff stated the investigation is ongoing. He said there were a number of people, primarily juveniles, who attended the party and will be interviewed.

Additional charges could be filed after the investigation is completed, he said.