BENTON, MISSOURI - Scott County Sheriff Rick Walter reports a Benton area man in custody on charges from a child molestation investigation.
Dustin Sauceda (20) of 9 Sandlewood, Benton, has been charged with the Unclassified Felony of Attempted Statutory Rape in the First Degree by Attempting Sexual Intercourse With Another Person Under 14 Years Old (RSMo 566.032).
Sheriff Walter states that on Tuesday, December 9th, at approximately 5:43 p.m., Senior Deputy Matt Scroggins received information in reference to Sauceda having sexual contact with a 13 year old female. After the initial investigation, Detective Jessica Martin was assigned the case.
A safe exam was conducted on Monday, December 15th. That exam, along with information garnered through the investigation indicates that on multiple occasions Sauceda had inappropriate sexual contact with the female. It was alleged that on one occasion, Sauceda used force to restrain the victim, and that intervention by a family member stopped the attack.
On Tuesday, December 16th, at approximately 12:46 p.m., Detective Martin, assisted by an Officer from the Cape Girardeau Police Department arrested Sauceda at Southeast Hospital where he had just been released. Sauceda was transported to the Scott County Sheriff’s Office.
Detective Martin conducted an interview of Sauceda after advising him of his Miranda rights. Sauceda confessed to a specific sexual act with the victim.
Sheriff Walter commends the investigation by Detective Martin. The sheriff also thanks the Cape Girardeau Police Department for their assistance. Sheriff Walter asks that anyone who has further information regarding this case, other criminal activity concerning Sauceda, or any other crimes to contact the Scott County Sheriff’s Office at 545-3525, or leave a message on the crime tip line at 1-866-210-4322.
Sauceda remains in custody at the Scott County Jail. Bond has been set by the court at $50,000.00 cash only.
