Counseling program worker accused of child sex crime

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A worker at a Phelps County center for children and families with behavioral struggles has posted bond after being charged with having sexual contact with a child.

Tamika M. Rodriguez, 36, of St. Robert, was indicted by a grand jury this week on a count of sexual contact with a student, a felony. She is accused in an incident on Oct. 19 at Great Circle in St. Robert, according to a probable cause statement.

Rodriguez gave herself up to authorities Sunday and posted a $25,000 bond, the Phelps County Sheriff's Department said in a Facebook post.

Investigators allege Rodriguez, who was a Great Circle staff member, put her hand down the victim's pants and grabbed the victim's genitals. The incident happened on the Great Circle campus, the statement says.

Great Circle provides counseling, crisis programs and other support to children and families struggling with behavioral issues, according to its website. The non-profit also has a location in Columbia.

The next hearing in the case is scheduled for Dec. 20.