The victim stated in the earlier morning hours the suspect, who was her friend’s father, came into the room she was staying in and began to make sexual comments towards her. The victim became uncomfortable with the comments and told the suspect to leave but he refused. The suspect then proceeded to make sexual advances towards the victim in which she refused and was restrained in the bed. The victim was then sexually assaulted before he left the bedroom. After the suspect left the room, the victim was able to contact her mother to pick her up and take her to the hospital.
Investigators with the Sheriff’s Office responded to the residence in Gray Summit where evidence was located inside the residence and contact was made with the suspect. On September 9, 2019 an arrest warrant for rape and sodomy was issued for 44 year old James Michael Reed of Villa Ridge, Mo. bond was set at $100,000 cash only. Reed was taken into custody on September 11, 2019 at his place of employment. Mr. Reed is currently registering with the Sheriff’s Office as a Sex Offender for an incident in 2005 involving a 5 year old victim.
All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law
Steve Pelton
Franklin County Sheriff