Stoddard County man sentenced to 60 years on child molestation charges

NEW MADRID, Mo. -- A Bloomfield, Mo., man charged with molesting a 3-year-old and a 4-year-old girl was given two 30-year prison sentences recently, the Dexter Daily Statesman reported.

Charles W. Copen Jr., was charged with two Class A felony counts of child molestation in the first degree following an incident that took place on April 25.

According to Stoddard County Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Rance Butler, the jury deliberated for approximately 15 minutes before returning a guilty verdict at his trial in New Madrid County, where the case was moved on a change of venue.

Due to Copen's criminal history, he was charged as a prior and persistent offender, opening him up to more stringent sentencing guidelines.

The warrant request states that on Aug. 24, 1992, Copen pleaded guilty to or was found guilty of felony sexual abuse in the first degree.

He also pleaded guilty to or was found guilty of the Class D felony of DWI and the Class C felony of receiving stolen property, which justifies the April charges to be Class A felonies.

The probable cause affidavit in the case states that from April 23 through April 27, a 3 year old, a 4 year old and a 5 year old juvenile stayed with Copen and his wife.

On the Saturday in question, Copen's wife reportedly traveled to visit her father-in-law in Cape Girardeau, and Copen was left with the children.

According to the affidavit, Copen molested the 3-year-old and 5-year-old girls. In addition, he reportedly showered with the 4 year old and gave her "cigarettes to smoke."

A neighbor also filed a statement detailing a suspicious incident she noticed between Copen and one of the girls involved on April 20, 2009.

During Copen's interview with former Bloomfield Police Chief Jason Curtman, he denied all of the accusations against him.