1 man charged with sodomy with person younger than 12, another accused of trying to help him escape law enforcement

MISSISSIPPI COUNTY, Mo. (KBSI) – A man faces sodomy charges and another man faces charges in trying to aid in his escape.

Enrique Rendon, 40, faces three counts of statutory sodomy or attempted deviate sexual intercourse with a person less than 12 years of age.

His alleged crimes involved multiple counts of engaging in unlawful sexual acts with a minor under the age of 12, according to the Mississippi County Sheriff’s Office.

He is being held on no bond.

The arrest was made possible through the efforts of the United States Marshals Service and the Mississippi County Sheriff’s Office deputies.

On May 19, deputies with the Mississippi County Sheriff’s Office and the United States Marshals Service arrested Rendon on Conyers Street in East Prairie.

During Rendon’s arrest, it was discovered that Matthew W. Blumenberg, 48, attempted to aid Rendon in his escape. The Mississippi County Sheriff’s Office also arrested Blumenberg for the crime of felony hindering prosecution. Blumenberg’s bond is set at $5000 cash only.

“The arrest of Enrique Rendon is a significant step towards protecting our community from those who pose a threat to the safety and well-being of our most vulnerable citizens,” said Sheriff Britton H. Ferrell. “We are grateful for the unwavering dedication and collaboration demonstrated by the United States Marshals Service and my own Sheriff’s Deputies. I would also like to extend my sincere gratitude to the citizens of Mississippi County for their invaluable tips and assistance throughout this investigation.”

The Mississippi County Sheriff’s Office urges anyone with information related to this case or any other suspicious activities to come forward and assist law enforcement in their ongoing efforts to ensure the safety of the community.