Man faces charges following alleged incident at Cape Girardeau AA Center

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., (KBSI) — A 78-year-old man has been charged with second-degree kidnapping and sexual assault after an incident at the Cape Downtown Alcoholic Anonymous center.

According to police, the victim reported that James E. Hoover assaulted him on May 17 at the center. The victim stated that Hoover locked the door and prevented him from leaving before the assault occurred.

He detailed how they were reading from their books when Hoover began groping the victims breast area.  The victim said he responded by verbally denying Hoover’s sexual advances by saying, “I don’t feel comfortable with this Jim.”

The victim alleged that Hoover turned off the lights, undid his pants and began masturbating in front of him. The victim also stated that Hoover touched his genitalia despite being told he was “not comfortable” and lied to about being infected with HIV.

The victim denied Hoover’s request to remove his shorts, but Hoover allegedly continued to touch him. The victim stated that Hoover became upset when he didn’t participate and stopped the assault.

The victim also reported that Hoover made disturbing comments, including saying he was leaving to “have sex with children.”

The victim sustained a small bleeding laceration on his genitalia during the assault and that he was in fear of being harmed if he attempted to leave or stop the assault.

Hoover was identified through previous law enforcement interactions.