Missouri man held on rape charge


An Oregon County, Missouri man who was in the process of moving to Mountain Home is being held in the Baxter County Detention Center on a charge of rape with bond set at $250,000.

Baxter County Sheriff John Montgomery says 38-year-old Joshua O’Neal Chambers was booked into the jail at approximately 11:30 Friday morning after being extradited from Oregon County.

Sheriff Montgomery says on May 10th his office received a report that a minor female had been raped by Chambers who is a relative of the victim. The report stated that Chambers drove the victim to a location in the Midway area, forced her to undress and then forcibly raped her.

On May 18th, Chambers was arrested by the Oregon County, Missouri Sheriff’s Office on theft charges. A hold was placed on him for Baxter County. That same day, Baxter County Sheriff’s Investigator Scott Thrasher traveled to Oregon County and interviewed Chambers. During the interview Chambers admitted to picking up the victim and traveling to a residence and having intercourse with the minor child. An affidavit was prepared and a warrant of arrest was issued for Chambers and sent to Missouri authorities.

Chambers is set for an appearance in Baxter County Circuit Court on July 6th.

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