According to a story in The Missourian, Noah A. Cook, 21, of Gerald has been charged with second-degree rape and second-degree sodomy of a Gerald woman. Both are Class D felonies.

Police Chief Jim Helton confirmed his department conducted a criminal investigation and made an arrest, but declined further comment due to the ongoing investigation. 

Helton later said Cook provided Gerald police a detailed confession that matched the alleged victim’s statement. 

The Missourian reports Gerald police were contacted by the victim’s mother late in the afternoon of Sept. 14. Her daughter said she had been raped while sleeping in the home she had shared with Cook, in the 600 block of S. Main St. 

Casenet, the Missouri Courts website, reports Cook now resides in Villa Ridge. His bond was initially set at $50,000. Cook has also been prohibited from any contact with the alleged victim or coming within 10 miles of Gerald.  His bond was later reduced to a $20,000 surety bond. That bond was posted Sept. 21. 

Cook’s next hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 6 before Judge Stanley Dale Williams.

Calls to Franklin County Prosecuting Attorney Matthew Becker for more information concerning the case were not returned. 

The alleged victim’s name has not been released.