Poplar Bluff man accused of sexually abusing 7-year-old boy

Charlie Harrison of Poplar Bluff is facing multiple felony charges related to the sexual abuse of a 7-year-old boy.

Harrison is charged with two counts of first-degree statutory sodomy and two counts of incest. The charges allege that Harrison engaged in “deviate sexual intercourse” with the child between Sept. 1, 2022 and July 7, 2024. The alleged offenses occurred at the victim’s grandmother’s residence and at Harrison’s residence. Harrison’s age was not given in official documents, but he was born in 1996.

According to a probable cause statement, the investigation began on July 7, 2024, when the victim’s mother reported to the Poplar Bluff Police Department that her son was being sexually exploited by Harrison.

On July 9, 2024, a forensic interview was conducted with the victim at KVC Missouri. During the interview, the victim disclosed that Harrison had been sexually abusing him. The victim said that this happened “every time his girlfriend leaves.”

The victim also stated his step-sister made comments that she had been sexually assaulted by Harrison.

Detective Zachary Tubb of the Poplar Bluff Police Department investigated the case. According to the probable cause affidavit, Tubb attempted to contact Harrison but was initially unable to reach him. Tubb was able to contact Harrison’s previous significant other, who was reportedly pregnant with his child. Harrison’s previous significant other informed Tubb that Harrison does not contact her.

The Circuit Court of Butler County issued a warrant for Harrison’s arrest on July 5. Harrison was arrested Thursday, and is being held with no bond.

Harrison is scheduled to appear in court Monday, March 10. If convicted, Harrison faces a sentence of life in prison or a term of years not less than 10 years for each count of first-degree statutory sodomy. He also faces a sentence of 1-4 years in prison for each count of incest.