Licking man faces charges involving sexual abuse of children
Photo courtesy of Salem Police Department
James Austin Vassuer
James Austin Vassuer (year of birth 1993), of Licking, was arrested on August 4, in Salem, Mo. He faces multiple charges, including Statutory Sodomy or Attempted Statutory Sodomy – Deviate Sexual Intercourse – Person Less Than 12 Yoa, two counts of Statutory Rape or Attempted Statutory Rape – 1st Degree – Person Less than 14 Yoa, Statutory Sodomy – 2nd Degree, Statutory Sodomy – 2nd Degree, and Child Molestation – 3rd Degree – Child Less Than 14 Yoa.
According to a Salem Police Department press release, Vassuer was taken into custody without incident at a business in the 500 block of South Carty Street during a joint operation involving local and state law enforcement. Members of Operation Relentless Pursuit, a detective, a Missouri State Highway Patrol trooper and Salem police officers were involved in locating Vassuer. Vassuer was taken to the Dent County Jail where he was being held on a $250,000.00 bond.
According to a probable cause statement filed by the Licking Police Department, an investigation was opened on January 20, 2025, when two juveniles made allegations about being sexually assaulted by Vassuer. One juvenile reported assaults beginning in 2019 and continuing through 2024, in the City of Licking and in Texas County. The other juvenile reported assaults began at 14 years of age.
Statements made during interviews of the juveniles at the Child Advocacy Center were consistent with allegations made during the initial complaint.
On February 5, 2025, Vassuer was questioned by a detective at the Licking Police Department. He repeatedly denied having sexual contact with the juveniles but admitted to exposing a photograph of one of the juveniles while she was lying on the couch wearing a pair of shorts.
A Grand Jury Indictment was filed by Texas County Prosecuting Attorney Parke Stevens on March 5, 2026, and bond was set at $250,000.00 cash or surety at that time. A warrant was issued on March 6, 2026, and was served to Vassuer on August 5, the day after his arrest. Vassuer’s arraignment has been scheduled for August 25, 2026, at 9 a.m., with Honorable Brian George Ellsworth presiding.
The above charges are mere accusations and not evidence of guilt. Evidence in support of the charges must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
