In February 2025, Stephen Scott Kitchen, a 48-year-old resident of Mexico, Missouri, was arrested and charged with several felony offenses related to the alleged sexual assault of a 10-year-old girl in Callaway County.
The charges include first-degree statutory rape, statutory sodomy, and sexual misconduct. These allegations pertain to incidents that reportedly occurred between 2019 and 2020.
Details of the Allegations
- Discovery of Evidence: In December 2024, two witnesses reportedly found the victim’s journal, which detailed instances of sexual assault by Kitchen. The victim, now 15, allegedly confirmed the authenticity of the entries during interviews.
- Victim’s Account: The victim is said to have described multiple incidents of assault, with reports indicating 13 or 14 separate occasions over the span of 2019 and 2020.
- Kitchen’s Statement: During an interview with law enforcement, Kitchen purportedly acknowledged past methamphetamine use, suggesting he would “black out” during that period, though he did not specifically address the assault allegations.
Legal Proceedings
- Charges Filed: On February 28, 2025, the Callaway County prosecutor formally filed charges against Kitchen.
- Bail Status: A judge ordered that Kitchen be held without bond, citing the severity of the allegations.
Community Impact
The arrest has sent shockwaves through the Callaway County community, prompting discussions about child safety and the importance of vigilance.
Local authorities have emphasized their commitment to thoroughly investigating such allegations to ensure justice is served.
The case against Stephen Scott Kitchen underscores the critical need for awareness and proactive measures to protect children within our communities.
As legal proceedings advance, it is essential to uphold the principles of justice while supporting the victim and all affected individuals.