Judge sets bond for Columbia businessman accused of child molestation

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A Columbia businessman accused of child molestation had his bond set at $500,000 cash on Monday.

Cale J. Kliethermes was originally booked in the Boone County Jail on Nov. 14 on no bond. His attorney requested the court set his bond at $50,000.

Kliethermes, the owner of Kliethermes Homes and Remodeling, was charged with first-degree child molestation, three counts of endangering the welfare of a child and first-degree sexual misconduct.

Police conducted an interview with two victims who said Kliethermes sexually touched them as early as 2012, when they were juveniles, according to the probable cause statement.

Police said Kliethermes could have assaulted up to four victims.

According to court documents, the victims told police they were afraid of what Kliethermes would do to them if he got out of jail.

Judge Stephanie Morrell set a $500,000 cash only bond for Kliethermes on Monday, according to online court records. If Kliethermes posts his bond, he will have to give up his passport.

Kliethermes was still in the Boone County Jail on Tuesday morning.