Montgomery County Man Charged with Child Sex Crimes

Joshua Stone accused of sexually abusing two children for years in Cole County

Jan. 28, 2026 at 5:07pm

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A 40-year-old man from Montgomery County, Missouri has been charged with nine child sex crimes, including statutory rape, sodomy, and child molestation. Authorities claim Joshua Stone sexually abused two children, both under 12 years old, for several years. Stone was arrested on Tuesday and has been denied bond.

Why it matters

This case highlights the serious and disturbing nature of child sexual abuse, which can have long-lasting traumatic impacts on victims. It also raises concerns about the need for stronger protections and support systems to prevent such crimes and ensure justice for survivors.

The details

According to the probable cause statement, the Department of Family Services tipped off police on December 5th about Stone's alleged sexual abuse of multiple youth. One of the children had disclosed the abuse to a guardian, who then told the child's mother. The mother claimed the child had previously described an instance of sexual abuse by Stone. The children described multiple assaults by Stone, and one victim said Stone made threats to prevent them from telling anyone. Stone was arrested on Tuesday and denied the allegations, but a deputy noted he tried to 'redirect the conversation' away from the abuse claims.

  • On December 5, 2025, the Department of Family Services tipped off police about Stone's alleged sexual abuse.
  • On Tuesday, January 28, 2026, Stone was arrested.

The players

Joshua Stone

A 40-year-old man from Montgomery County, Missouri who has been charged with nine child sex crimes, including statutory rape, sodomy, and child molestation.

Department of Family Services

The agency that tipped off police about Stone's alleged sexual abuse of multiple youth.

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What they’re saying

“A deputy noted in the statement that Stone tried to 'redirect the conversation to matters not pertaining to the allegations.'”

— Deputy

What’s next

A court date has not yet been scheduled for Stone, but he is being held at the Cole County Jail without bond.

The takeaway

This disturbing case underscores the critical need for robust child protection systems, thorough investigations, and strong penalties to deter and punish those who commit such heinous crimes against the most vulnerable members of our society.