Woman to stand trial for molestation

JACKSON, Mo. -- A judge ruled Thursday there is enough evidence for a Cape Girardeau woman to stand trial for molesting a teen-age boy.

The woman, Pamela L. Recker, 43, is charged with statutory sodomy, accused of performing a sexual act on a 14-year-old boy.

Statutory rape or sodomy is considered a crime regardless of whether the relationship is consensual. It applies to victims 17 years old and younger.

Appearing before Circuit Judge Gary Kamp, Recker had a preliminary hearing at which both the boy and a Jackson police officer testified.

Her teen-age accuser, questioned by assistant prosecuting attorney Lora E. Cooper, said he and Recker had a sexual relationship on Dec. 9.

Recker, who was active with the Mississippi Valley Home Educators Association, was a friend of the boy's family.

Recker appears next on Jan. 22 for formal arraignment. A trial date may be set at that time. She is free on $15,000 bond.

If found guilty of the second-degree felony charge, Recker may face one to seven years in prison and up to $15,000 in fines.