Sikeston man charged with 10 counts of statutory sodomy

BENTON, Mo. -- A Sikeston man was arrested Friday for allegedly having sexual relations with a 6-year-old girl.

Ronald L. Parkhurst, 32, 943 County Road 518, faces 10 counts of first-degree statutory sodomy, according Scott County Sheriff Rick Walter.

Missouri Children's Division investigator Jane Wyman and Scott County Sheriff's Deputy Darrin Sides went to the Parkhurst home Wednesday in response to a hotline call alleging that Parkhurst was molesting the girl.

During an interview conducted by the SEMO Network Against Sexual Violence, the 6-year-old described inappropriate sexual acts that occurred while in the shower with Parkhurst multiple times since June.

Parkhurst remained in custody Friday afternoon with a bond set at $150,000 cash only.