JACKSON MAN CHARGED IN SEX CRIMES

JACKSON, Mo. -- A 49-year-old Jackson man has been charged with rape and sodomy involving a 16-year-old girl, the Cape Girardeau County Sheriff's Department said.

Russell D. Jackson was arrested on Wednesday for statutory rape and sodomy. He is being held in the Cape Girardeau County Jail on a $25,000 bond.

The girl told investigators she had engaged in sexual activity with Jackson several times between Feb. 3 and April 7, Lt. David James said.

Jackson is charged with four counts of second-degree statutory sodomy and three counts of second-degree statutory rape.

Investigators learned about the alleged incidents after the girl told her family, who then brought her to the sheriff's department, James said.

If convicted on all charges, he faces a maximum sentence of 49 years in prison.