Excelsior Springs, Mo. — An Excelsior Springs man has been charged with multiple counts of first-degree statutory rape following an investigation by law enforcement and child protective services.
Michael Aaron Watson, 22, was taken into custody in January 2025 after an investigation linked him to alleged sexual misconduct involving a minor in August 2021. According to the probable cause statement filed by the Ray County Sheriff’s Office, Watson engaged in a sexual relationship with a juvenile victim who, at the time, was under the age of 14.
Authorities launched an investigation in September 2021 after the Missouri Department of Social Services reported suspected sexual abuse. Detectives obtained digital communications from the victim’s Facebook Messenger and Snapchat, which reportedly contained incriminating conversations shared between Watson and the victim.
During a forensic interview conducted at Synergy Services Children’s Advocacy Center, the victim detailed multiple incidents of sexual contact that occurred at Watson’s residence in Excelsior Estates between mid-August and early September 2021. The victim reported that Watson had engaged in sexual acts despite knowing the age difference and that he later warned the victim to remain silent about their relationship.
The report revealed that law enforcement also obtained the victim’s phone, which contained explicit messages and images. When confronted by detectives in December 2021, Watson initially denied any wrongdoing but later admitted to communicating with the victim. Investigators reported that while questioning Watson in his home, he began to delete messages from his phone, prompting them to seize his phone as potential evidence. According to the record, an analysis of his seized device by the Western Missouri Cyber Crime Task Force was unsuccessful in extracting data.
On January 23, 2025, Watson was arrested and taken into custody by the Ray County Sheriff’s Office in Richmond, Missouri, after authorities served a warrant for his arrest at 10:33 a.m.
Watson faces the following charges:
- Two counts of first-degree statutory rape (RSMO 566.032), for allegedly engaging in sexual intercourse with a child under 14.
- One count of first-degree statutory sodomy (RSMO 566.062), for engaging in deviate sexual acts with a minor under 14.
- One count of tampering with physical evidence (RSMO 575.100), for allegedly attempting to delete incriminating digital evidence during the investigation.
According to Missouri state law, first-degree statutory rape and statutory sodomy are unclassified felonies, carrying a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years to life in prison. The severity of the sentence can increase if aggravating factors, such as force or multiple offenses, are present. Tampering is a Class E felony, punishable by up to four years in prison and potential fines.
Watson remains in custody on a $50,000 bond after Judge Lori Jeanette Baskins denied his February 4, 2025, motion for bond modification, citing concerns that he posed a flight risk and a danger to victims and the community. The court determined that the seriousness of the charges, strength of the evidence, and Watson’s prior legal history warranted continued detention under the current conditions. Watson has also applied for a public defender, suggesting his intent to fight the charges in court. His next scheduled hearing is set for February 11, 2025, at 8:30 a.m. in Ray County Circuit Court.
Authorities urge anyone with information related to this case to contact the Ray County Sheriff’s Office.
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