MELVIN BUTGEREIT

Melvin Frances Butgereit, age 51 of HorseshoeBend was arrested February 2 on the charge of sexual assault in the second degree. Butgereit is accused of having inappropriate sexual contract with a 12 year old female. The twelve year said things started when she was seven or eight and when sleeping one evening she awoke to a camera flash and determined that the accused had lifted up her skirt and that her panties were found near her on the floor.  The female victim further stated that cameras were discovered in the bath where she takes a shower and that Butgereit had touched her in inappropriately places many times.

While the 12 year old was swimming at a local lake, Butgereit is accused of placing items inside her swim suit and when riding on a four wheeler Butgereit would reach up and hold onto her breasts. Butgereit is also accused of violently hitting the child in the face and grabbing her arms causing them to bruise. It is alleged this type activity continued until the first of December 2015.  During the course of interviews conducted by Lieutenant Charles Melton and Sgt. Gabe Sanders, witnesses stated that Butgereit had stated that he needed help and knew that it was wrong to desire sex with a 12 year old and that he checked himself into rehabilitation for treatment.

Butgereit remains in the Izard County Detention in lieu of $20,000 bond and has a scheduled circuit court date of February 16. Sexual assault second degree is a class “b” felony.Sheriff Tate Lawrence said the department has five active cases of this type being investigated involving small children.

News Release, For Immediate Release, January 7, 2016, POC: Sheriff Tate Lawrence, 870368 4203

Note: Picture provided