Carthage Man Charged with Statutory Sodomy of 6-Year-Old Joplin Girl

Travis L. Ketcham faces two counts of statutory sodomy with $50,000 cash-only bond.

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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A 46-year-old Carthage man has been charged with two counts of statutory sodomy against a 6-year-old girl in Joplin, Missouri in 2021. The girl, now 10 years old, recently told her parents about the incidents, and Ketcham was arrested on an outstanding warrant with a $50,000 cash-only bond.

Why it matters

Child sexual abuse cases are deeply disturbing and have long-lasting impacts on victims. This case highlights the importance of reporting suspected abuse, even years later, and the need for thorough investigations to hold perpetrators accountable.

The details

According to the probable cause statement, the girl told an interviewer at the Children's Center of Southwest Missouri that Ketcham committed the acts of sodomy twice. She was able to describe the room in detail and said Ketcham was watching a boxing show on TV at the time. When interviewed by police, Ketcham confirmed the girl's description of the room and that he was watching a mixed martial arts event, but he did not admit to the allegations.

  • The alleged incidents occurred in 2021 when the victim was 6 years old.
  • The victim, now 10 years old, recently told her parents about the abuse.

The players

Travis L. Ketcham

A 46-year-old man from Carthage, Missouri who has been charged with two counts of statutory sodomy against a 6-year-old girl.

Victim 1

A 10-year-old girl from Joplin, Missouri who reported that Ketcham committed acts of sodomy against her when she was 6 years old.

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What they’re saying

“Victim 1 stated that Ketchum would tell her not to tell her parents, or she would get into trouble and told her that this was normal. Victim 1 believed that she would get into trouble, so she never said anything.”

— Victim 1 (Probable Cause Statement)

What’s next

The judge will decide on Ketcham's bond and whether he will be allowed out on bail.

The takeaway

This case underscores the importance of creating safe environments for children to disclose abuse, as well as the need for thorough investigations to hold perpetrators accountable, even years after the alleged incidents occurred.