A 53-year-old Owensboro man has been arrested after a student’s courage to speak up led to the discovery of alleged ongoing sexual abuse, according to the Owensboro Police Department.
Authorities said the arrest came after a student learned the importance during a school program about reporting such actions.
“The knowledge this child received started a chain reaction that ultimately stopped the abuse their sibling was receiving. The student shared the information they learned with their sibling and this child reported the abuse to a teacher, who in turn reported it to the school counselor and subsequently involved OPD on April 24, 2025,” the release says. “This child reported to investigators that the abuse has been ongoing for several years by a person who was known to the victim and their family.”
[Editor’s Note: Owensboro Times is withholding the suspect’s name and location of his address because publishing it, combined with other details in this report, could potentially identify the juvenile victim.]
OPD said the suspect faces the following charges:
- Rape, 1st Degree
- Rape, 1st Degree – Victim under 12 years of age
- Sexual Abuse, 1st Degree
- Sexual Abuse, 1st Degree – Victim under 12 years of age
- Promoting A Minor Under 16 In Sex Performance
- Possess Matter Sex Performance By Minor Over 12 but Under 18, 1st offense
In a statement, OPD officials emphasized their commitment to community safety and protecting vulnerable populations.
“The amount of courage survivors display to report abuse that has been experienced for years is a testament to their resiliency,” the statement reads. “We’re grateful for the school system who took a proactive role in protecting this child from further exploitation.”
Police also acknowledged community partners like New Beginnings and River Valley Behavioral Health for “being ever present in their commitment to survivors of abuse.”
The case remains under investigation. Anyone with information about this or other abuse cases is encouraged to contact the Owensboro Police Department.
If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, local resources are available for support and assistance.
