Fort Scott man bound over for trial in alleged rape of child

Sixth Judicial Magistrate Judge Rebecca Stephan heard enough reason on Friday to bind David A. Shockey over for trial on charges that he had sex with a 9-year-old girl on multiple occasions within the last year.

The victim admitted during a taped interview on Aug. 14 with a social worker that Shockey had sex with her several times in 2005 at a house in Fort Scott. The girl gave the following account about what Shockey allegedly did to her, according to a 30-minute video taped interview with social worker Sherry Hill that was shown in its entirety at Friday's preliminary hearing. The girl did not give specific times the supposed attacks occurred or definite details of the attacks. According to court documents, however, the alleged incidents happened "on or between" April 15, 2005, and March 25, 2006.

According to her own account, Shockey blindfolded her with a bandana, partially undressed her, and had sex with her. There was another time, the girl said, when he punched her in the chest and commanded her to "shut up." During one of the alleged incidents, she said in the interview, the defendant commanded her not to tell anyone about what happened and, if she did, he would kill her.

The girl demonstrated the assault with dolls provided by Hill during the interview as well assistance by Hill when she questioned the girl about the incidents. Hill asked the 9-year-old what she considered "good and bad touches" as she pointed to body parts on a drawing of male and female bodies. This method is used by social workers to elicit information from alleged victims of child molestation.

During the nearly two-hour hearing, Fort Scott Police Lt. Shaun West testified that, during an interview at the police station on Aug. 14, Shockey admitted placing the girl on the bed and acted like he was having sex with her, but then went to the bathroom to "finish." That alleged incident occurred about four or five months prior to the police interview. West said Shockey willingly agreed to the interview and initially denied the allegations during questioning.

Shockey, who turned 37 on Monday, was arrested after the interview and has since been in custody at the Southeast Kansas Regional Correctional Center in lieu of $100,000 bond. Myers asked Stephan to reduce the bond to $50,000 so Shockey could find employment in Kansas City, Mo. Stephan rejected the motion, keeping the bond at its original amount.

Bourbon County Attorney Terri Johnson charged Shockey on two severity level one felony counts of rape. If convicted on both counts, he could potentially face a life sentence -- 54 years in prison.

Myers asked FSPD Officer Mike Trim, who handled the investigation, about whether he noticed any abuse by Shockey of any of the girl's siblings. Trim said he didn't and none of the other children talked about prior abuse.

The defense also questioned why other suspects weren't sought during the initial investigation. Trim said police had no reason to look at other suspects since the victim identified Shockey as the culprit.

Myers asked Hill and Trim if they knew who transported the girl to Pittsburg for the taped interview. Hill said her mother took her, and Hill didn't question the girl as to whether her mother talked with the girl prior to the interview. The defense had no closing arguments.

Formal arraignment was set for 1 p.m. Nov. 16.