Sullivan Man Charged With Alleged Statutory Rape And Sexual Misconduct

Sullivan Police are investigating an alleged case of statutory rape and sexual misconduct by a 26-year-old Sullivan man at a residence that offers childcare. 

Franklin County Judge Matthew W. Houston issued a warrant for the arrest of Joseph W. Simmons  Jr., 26, Sullivan, Thursday, June 9., following an investigation by Sullivan Police. 

The charges of statutory rape or attempted statutory rape in the first degree and sexual misconduct in the first degree were issued by Judge Houston with Simmons being held in Sullivan Jail without bond. 

The probable cause statement indicates the incident occurred in May 2022 with a victim under the age of 12, at the residence which is used also as a child care facility. The suspect is alleged to have a room at the home.

More on this developing story will appear in the June 15, 2022 edition of Sullivan Independent News. 

Further investigation is continuing. 

The child care is alleged to be operated by the suspect’s mother on Virginia St. Where incidents are alleged to have occurred.