Sikeston man faces rape, molestation charges

BENTON, Mo. -- A Sikeston, Mo., man is in custody following a sexual assault investigation involving a young girl.

Jerry W. Decker, 34, is charged with 10 counts of forcible rape, 10 counts of statutory rape and five counts of first-degree child molestation. Bond has been set at $150,000.

The sexual assault incidents took place during a three-year period with the last incident being in the summer of 2011, according to Scott County Sheriff Rick Walter. The majority of the incidents occurred at a Sikeston residence while the female victim was between the ages of 11 and 13.

"The Missouri Department of Children's Services and the Beacon Health Center worked closely with his investigators to conduct a thorough investigation which resulted in the filing of criminal charges," Walter said in a news release.

Decker is in custody in Texas on an unrelated charge. A hold will be placed on Decker, who will be transported back to Missouri to face the new charges, Walter said.

Pertinent address:

Sikeston, MO

Benton, MO