Osage County, MO – A Belle resident has been arrested and charged with child molestation following allegations of repeated inappropriate behavior involving a juvenile.
On Dec. 2, the victim reported the incidents to the Osage County Sheriff’s Office, stating they were between 12 and 13 years old when the incidents occurred. The suspect, identified as Joshua Gray, 46, was taken into custody during a traffic stop conducted by a Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) trooper on Tuesday.
According to law enforcement, Gray admitted to inappropriately touching the victim. He also claimed the juvenile had placed his hands on their body and blamed them for wearing provocative clothing.
Gray faces charges of Fourth-Degree Child Molestation of a Child Less than 17 Years Old. A warrant was issued with a bond set at $25,000.
If you or someone you know is a victim of abuse, contact the Osage County Sheriff’s Office or local authorities.
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