Photo: John Harjo
A Branson man jailed in Boone County is facing felony charges of first-degree sexual assault and failure to comply with registration as a convicted sex offender. His criminal record has also led to a charge as a habitual offender.
According to the probable cause affidavit filed April 3, 43-year-old John Harjo was incarcerated in late February following an investigation.
Boone County authorities were alerted by the Missouri Department of Social Services Children’s Division Harjo, who is a Level 3 registered sex offender, might be staying with his girlfriend in Bergman.
Harjo agreed to meet with a sheriff’s investigator in Boone County. Harjo said he was on parole in Missouri and had a travel voucher to work for Tyson’s in Arkansas and return home.
He said he had lost his employment through a temporary service and had been staying in Bergman without permission.
When questioned, Harjo confirmed he had contact with minor children at his girlfriend’s residence. Under Arkansas law, he would be required to register as a Level 4 offender and would not be allowed contact with minor children.
In a follow-up interview, the mother of an 8-year-old autistic boy confirmed Harjo bathed her son.
Upon further investigation, it was learned Harjo had been found guilty of two counts of second-degree sexual assault in Arkansas. He has also been found guilty of a sex crime in Missouri.
Harjo’s cash only bond was set at $25,000.
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