Tabatha R. Adam, 27, Wasola, is charged with second-degree statutory rape and incest, both felonies, after it was alleged she sexually assaulted a teenaged family member, resulting in the birth of a child.
Ozark County Sheriff's Department Sgt. Seth Miller, in court documents, said an investigation was initiated in October after officials with the Missouri Children's Division reported an incident of statutory rape in which Adam was suspected.
A probable cause statement submitted by Miller shows a preliminary genetic test on Adam's child was done under the direction of medical professionals and the youth's foster parents. The results reportedly showed the child was the product of an incestuous relationship, in birth records, Adam identified the father as "John Doe Unknown" and she refused to provide the father's name to the Children's Division.
A search warrant was obtained for the collection of genetic material for testing from a relative of Adam’s, and when the relative was interviewed by law enforcement, he reportedly said he'd had sex with her and was likely the father of the child.
The victim told Miller the contact happened when he was about 15, the investigation showed Adam was 20 when the child was conceived, and the two continued to have a sexual relationship after the child was born when Adam was 21.
Court records show Adam was arrested March 20 and initially held on $10,000 cash bond, but on Tuesday during a bond reduction hearing, Associate 44th Circuit Judge Raymond Goss issued a supervised bond release order allowing her to be released on her own recognizance, or her word that she would appear in court on her next scheduled date, which is April 23 for case setting. Adam has pleaded not guilty and is represented by Public Defender Chase Opolka. The case is being prosecuted by Ozark County Prosecutor Curtis Pipkins.
