- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
LaBelle Today
By the People, for the People
Joplin Man Charged with Child Molestation, Statutory Sodomy
Authorities allege Joseph Michael Davis choked and sexually assaulted a child under 12 years old.
Mar. 29, 2026 at 2:21am
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
A 46-year-old Joplin man named Joseph Michael Davis has been charged with child molestation and statutory sodomy for alleged crimes that occurred between January and March 2020 involving a child under 12 years old. An arrest warrant has been issued for Davis without bond after he initially agreed to cooperate with the Newton County Sheriff's Office investigation but then declined to speak further without his lawyer present.
Why it matters
Allegations of child sexual abuse are among the most serious criminal charges, with long-lasting impacts on victims and the community. This case highlights the importance of thorough investigations and the complexities that can arise when suspects invoke their legal rights during questioning.
The details
According to the probable cause statement, Davis is accused of choking the child to the point where she couldn't breathe, then forcing her to have anal intercourse. Davis initially agreed to cooperate with the sheriff's office investigation but later said he would not speak further without his lawyer present.
- The alleged crimes took place between January 1 and March 31, 2020.
- An arrest warrant for Davis was issued on March 29, 2026.
The players
Joseph Michael Davis
A 46-year-old Joplin, Missouri resident who has been charged with child molestation and statutory sodomy.
Newton County Sheriff's Office
The law enforcement agency investigating the alleged crimes committed by Joseph Michael Davis.
What’s next
The judge will determine whether to grant Davis bond at his upcoming court appearance.
The takeaway
This case underscores the gravity of child sexual abuse allegations and the need for thorough investigations, while also highlighting the legal complexities that can arise when suspects exercise their right to counsel.
