Sikeston man charged in connection with Cape Girardeau water park incident

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., (KBSI) — A 20-year-old Sikeston man faces charges of child molestation and sexual abuse in connection with an investigation at a Cape Girardeau water park.

Gerardo Escobar is charged with two counts of third-degree child molestation and two counts of first-degree sexual abuse.

According to charging documents, two teenage girls, ages 15 and 13, reported that Escobar sexually touched and grabbed them while they were swimming at Cape Splash Family Aquatic Center on July 5.

The incident is the second child molestation investigation at the water park within two weeks. The City of Cape Girardeau has issued a statement affirming its commitment to maintaining a safe and respectful community.

In a public response, Cape Splash, the City of Cape Girardeau issued the following statement:

“The City of Cape Girardeau affirms that the behavior described in recent reports is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. We remain fully committed to maintaining a safe and respectful community, and any such conduct will be addressed promptly and appropriately by City staff and law enforcement in accordance with all applicable laws and policies. Any attempt to hurt kids, or adults, will be met with immediate action from our staff and law enforcement. Vigilance is essential to protecting our children and we commend those who reported this incident promptly. The City commends the swift and appropriate actions taken by our staff and Police Department to ensure the safety and well-being of all members of our community.”