An Argos man is currently lodged in the Marshall County Jail on a $100,000 cash bond for child molesting and statutory rape.
Argos Police Chief Rodney Rudd told GIANT fm WTCA that an investigation was conducted by his agency and a warrant was issued for the arrest of 24-year-old Michael Thomas Rex who lives at 310 Fremont Street. The chief said Rex turned himself in at the Marshall County Jail on Thursday morning.
Court documents show that in early November 2023, a parent and grandparent came to the Argos Police Department to report inappropriate communications with their teenager. They told Officer Bradley Howe that Mr. Rex had given a cell phone to the teen and the phone had texts that said I love you; I miss you and I can’t wait to cuddle with you.
Officer Howe went to Michael Rex’s home, and he agreed to an interview. He admitted to giving the juvenile the cell phone and said it was for use in case of an emergency. Mr. Rex told the officer he hadn’t sent any inappropriate texts. He also didn’t think there had been any inappropriate conduct with the teen.
The Department of Child Services became involved in the case when they learned of a possible sex abuse case involving Michael Rex. DCS had a forensic interview with the teen who gave details of a second cell phone, and sexual contacts that began when the child was 12-year-old.
The Argos Police Department conduced additional interviews with Michael Rex and a few others. Documents were forwarded to the Marshall County Prosecutor’s Office and a warrant was issued for Michael Thomas Rex for child molestation and statutory rape. Rex turned himself in about 4 a.m. Thursday.
Readers are reminded that charging information supported by an affidavit of probable cause is merely an allegation that a crime has been committed and that there is only probable cause to believe a crime has been committed. They are presumed innocent throughout the proceedings and are entitled to be represented by counsel and entitled to a trial by jury at which the State is obligated to provide proof beyond a reasonable doubt before a judgment of guilt may be made.
