Full Notification

BENTON, MISSOURI - Scott County Sheriff Wes Drury reports a Scott County man was arrested on several charges after a sexual assault investigation.

Mark Friend (59) has been charged with the Class B Felony of Child Molestation 2nd degree-Aggravated Sexual Offense of a Child less than 17 yrs. Old X2, Unclassified Felony Statutory Sodomy 1st degree X5, and Unclassified Felony Statutory Rape X3.

Sheriff Drury states that Detective Jessica Martin began working an investigation on Monday, May 1, 2017 after a report of allegations that Friend had sexually assaulted two juveniles. Detective Martin was able to determine that the sexual abuse began in May 2015 and lasted through April 2017. On Wednesday, May 3, 2017 Detective Martin arrested and interviewed Friend on all charges listed above. During the interview process, Friend confessed to sexual acts with the juveniles.

Friend was arrested and transported to the Scott County Jail pending formal charges.

Mark Friend is currently being held in the Scott County jail on a $100,000 cash only bond. Bond was set by the court at $100,000 cash only.