Cape man faces statutory sodomy charges

A Cape Girardeau man was arrested during the weekend on two charges of first-degree statutory sodomy.

Charles W. Barham, 29, waived formal arraignment and was found to qualify for a public defender Tuesday.

About 9 a.m. Saturday, officers went to a Cape Girardeau residence in response to a report of sexual assault, said Darin Hickey, public information officer for the Cape Girardeau Police Department.

The person who made the report told police two children younger than 14 were believed to have been sexually assaulted by Barham, who was known to the family, Hickey said.

Barham was not at the home at the time of the report, Hickey said.

Police arrested Barham when he came into the Cape Girardeau Police Department a few hours later, Hickey said.

Barham was in the Cape Girardeau County Jail on a $50,000 cash-only bond Tuesday.

According to online court records, if Barham posts bond, he is not permitted to be within 20 feet of any girl younger than 16.

Online court records show no prior convictions for Barham.

A preliminary hearing in the case is set for 3 p.m. Sept. 24.

Pertinent address:

Cape Girardeau, Mo.