Sikeston man charged with molestation

SIKESTON, Mo. -- A Sikeston man is in custody on charges of child molestation.

The Sikeston Department of Public Safety reported Thursday that Mart Parham, 56, is being held in the Scott County Jail pending his arraignment on a charge of first-degree child molestation. Bond is set at $75,000 cash-only.

According to police, on Aug. 31 officers responded to a Sikeston residence in reference to a child abuse hotline call reporting sexual contact between a 12-year-old child and an adult. The Missouri Children's Division also responded to assist with the investigation.

"The findings of the initial investigation led to a forensic interview of the child with a trained professional," said Lt. Jim McMillen, public information officer. The interview with the child was conducted at Beacon Health Center in Cape Girardeau.

At the conclusion of the inquiry, Sikeston detectives began their efforts in located the suspect. On Wednesday detectives found Parham at a residence in Sikeston. McMillen said Parham was questioned and later arrested.

Pertinent address:

Sikeston, MO