Eldon police arrest man accused of having sex with 14-year-old girl

Eldon police arrested Jason Patrick on Wednesday after officers were alerted of an assault investigation involving a 22-year-old man having sex with a 14-year-old girl.

Police said they interviewed the 14-year-old girl who claimed she did not have sexual contact with Patrick. Officers were advised by the daughter’s mother that she believed Patrick had sex with the girl.

Patrick told police he thought the girl was 16 and all they did was “cuddle.” He later admitted to having sex with her.

According to the probable cause statement, Patrick began to cry and said, “I’m in trouble.”

The 14-year-old later admitted to having sex with Patrick and said it was consensual.

Patrick was charged with statutory rape in the second degree.