GERALD  — Clifford Meyer, 57, of Freeburg, was arrested on Jan. 9 in Gerald and faces prosecution for statutory sodomy after confessing his activities to Deputy Dennis Sutton.

According to a sheriff’s office release, he responded to a report of sexual abuse of a child. He was told by Clifford’s wife, Kayla Meyer, that her oldest foster daughter gave her a written letter stating that Clifford had inappropriately touched her.

Kayla confronted her husband, who said he had “accidentally and inappropriately touched” the juvenile foster child. She told him to leave the residence immediately, after which she contacted 911 to report the abuse.

Sutton interviewed the juvenile, who said, “Cliff touched my breast and private area” beneath her clothing.

At that time, Sutton asked 911 to issue a stop-and-hold broadcast to neighboring counties and Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Troop F and Troop A.

Osage County 911 subsequently told him that a Gerald police officer had located and stopped the vehicle.

Sutton went to Gerald and interviewed Meyer in his patrol vehicle.

When asked if he knew why Sutton wanted to speak with him, Meyer replied it was “due to him ruining several lives.”

Meyer admitted to touching the juvenile inappropriately while the child was in his room.

Based on his confession, Sutton asked the Gerald officer to place Meyer under arrest for first-degree statutory sodomy and transfer custody to Osage County.

Meyer was taken to the Osage County Jail and is being held on a no-bond warrant.