A Holts Summit man was charged with numerous felonies Thursday following a reported sexual assault.
The Callaway County Prosecuting Attorney charged Jerry Nichols, 60, with first-degree rape/attempted rape, delivery of a controlled substance, first-degree sodomy/attempted sodomy and two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm (felon in possession). Nichols was arrested by the Callaway County Sheriff's Office at 5:10 p.m. Wednesday, following a joint investigation by the CCSO and Holts Summit Police Department.
The investigation began after the alleged victim underwent a sexual assault exam at an area hospital June 20, according to a probable cause statement. She told a CCSO investigator that the night before, she had accepted an alcoholic drink from Nichols, to whom she is related. She said she has no recollection of what happened between drinking the beverage and waking up in the early morning hours the next day, in pain and with bruising on her thighs.
She also told the investigator Nichols possesses two guns and sells drugs to residents of the neighborhood.
Upon searching Nichols' house, law enforcement found 179 grams of marijuana and a shotgun. A handgun was retrieved from his vehicle.
Nichols initially told the CCSO he didn't have sex with the alleged victim and he would not cheat on his wife with a relative, according to the probable cause statement. He then admitted to having sex with her but claimed the alleged victim initiated sexual contact and was conscious the entire time.
He also admitted to selling marijuana and possessing the guns. Due to two previous felony convictions, including one for second-degree battery, it is unlawful for him to possess firearms.
Nichols is being held in the Callaway County Jail without bond pending a later bond review.