CHAMOIS — Osage County deputies are searching for Jonathan L. Elmore, 24, of Chamois, who Prosecuting Attorney Amanda Grellner has charged with one count of statutory rape and a count of statutory sodomy of a person less than 14. Sheriff Mike Bonham said he hopes to take Elmore into custody on a no-bond arrest warrant soon.

According to a probable cause statement, Dep. Dennis Sutton responded on Jan. 27 to a home in Chamois, where the juvenile’s mother reported that a rape had occurred at another residence in Chamois.

During a forensic interview at the Children’s Advocacy Center of East Central Missouri, the juvenile identified Elmore as her attacker and said that before the assault, he provided her with alcohol and marijuana.

“It is unbelievable how many people are out there searching for children,” said Sheriff Mike Bonham. “They are looking for that vulnerability — a way in to exploit that weakness — so they can get what they want. We will continue to chase child predators that want to harm our children to the ends of the earth.”

Anyone with information on Elmore’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Osage County Sheriff’s Office.