Auxvasse man faces multiple child sex crimes in Callaway County

AUXVASSE, Mo. (KMIZ)

Callaway County prosecutors charged an Auxvasse man with multiple child sex crimes after he was accused of having sexual contact with a child younger than 12.

Thomas Pittenger, 44, faces three felony counts in the case including a charge of first-degree statutory rape.

The Callaway County Sheriff's Office said Pittenger was arrested on Wednesday after an extensive investigation.

Court documents say deputies interviewed a child in February who said Pittenger made the child touch him inappropriately. Pittenger's probable cause statement said he had multiple sexual interactions with the child over the course of at least two years.

The documents say a sibling of the child also witnessed Pittenger have sexual contact with the victim.

The probable cause statement said Pittenger admitted to exposing himself to the child and that "he needs help." Pittenger alleged told investigators he was abused as a child.

The sheriff's office said Pittenger was in jail Friday. Deputies said he was being held without bond.

Online court records show a bond hearing is scheduled in Pittenger's case for April 10.