Slater man charged with statutory rape

Elijah H.Watts Jr., 17, of Slater, is in custody at Saline County Justice Facility, charged with statutory rape in the first degree - sexual intercourse with a person less than 14 years old, an unclassified felony.

Watts has been held on a cash or surety bond of $20,000 since Wednesday, Sept. 23.

According to the probable cause statement, the victim and Watts were acquaintances, and a medical examination found no evidence of violent rape.

A court appearance has not yet been scheduled; if convicted of the offense, Watts faces not less than five years, or life in Missouri Department of Corrections.

Charges contained in reports provided by law enforcement officials are not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting charges must be presented before a jury, whose duty is to determine if the accused is guilty or not guilty of the charges.

Contact Kathy Fairchild at marshallhealth@socket.net