CANTON, Mo.- A Canton man has been arrested by the Missouri State Highway Patrol on allegations of sexual misconduct that victimized his adopted daughter. 46-year old Zebadiah D. Smeltser was arrested around 10:30 pm on Thursday, August 29th. He is charged with 2nd Degree Statutory Rape and 2nd Degree Statutory Sodomy, both class D felonies, as well as 4th Degree Child Molestation and Incest, both class E felonies.
Court documents state that the victim, who is now 21-years old, recently filed a formal complaint against Smeltser, who adopted her when she was five years old. She alleges that Smeltser engaged in sexual contact with her over the past six years, beginning just before her 15th birthday and continuing until this July.
The victim told investigators that the abuse began when her mother gave her a prescription sleeping pill, which impaired her, and then placed her in bed with Smeltser, while she went somewhere else to sleep. Smeltser allegedly began touching the victim before performing oral sex. Due to the impairment, the victim initially believed she was hallucinating, but Smeltser later told her that it had in fact occurred.
This behavior continued regularly for years, with the victim stating that Smeltser groomed her to believe that the relationship was that of a girlfriend and boyfriend. She said that she did not want the relationship but was scared of destroying her family if she spoke up.
After the report was filed, investigators contacted Smeltser at his home. During this interview, he confirmed that the sexual contact had occurred, stating that there had been approximately 75 separate sexual encounters between the two.
Following the interview, Smeltser was taken into custody. He is currently being held in the Lewis County Jail without bond. He is scheduled to appear before Judge Corey Moon for a bond review hearing on Monday afternoon at 1 pm.
Zebadiah D. Smeltser, 46, of Canton, is accused of sexual misconduct victimizing his adopted daughter.
(Photo courtesy Lewis County Sheriff's Department)
