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	Sixth Suspect Arrested in Mohler Child Sex Case Fox 4 November 12, 2009 http://www.fox4kc.com/wdaf-story-mohler-sixth-arrest-111209,0,7524041.story LAFAYETTE COUNTY, MO - Authorities say a sixth suspect has been arrested and charged in the ongoing Mohler family child sex case, in which several members of a family face charges of raping and sexually abusing at least two children. According to the Missouri Highway Patrol, Larry Kidd, 55, from Kansas City, Missouri, has been arrested and charged with rape of a child less than 14 years old. Authorities say that Kidd was identified as an associate of the Mohler family, which faces numerous child sex allegations. Those who may have information, or those who may have been victimized by the Mohlers or Kidd are asked to call 660-259-6785 or the Tips Hotline at 816-474-TIPS Earlier in the day, five male members of the Mohler family made their first court appearance in Lafayette County, Mo. The men, a 77-year-old father and his four sons, have been charged with sex crimes including forcible sodomy and rape involving children under the age of 12. All five men were shackled and wore orange jumpsuits at their court appearance. They were each escorted by deputies as they entered the court room. A judge read the charges against them and none of the Mohler men entered a plea or said anything, except for Burrell Edward Mohler Sr., who at one point asked to have his hearing aid turned up. The men did not have representation during the 20-minute hearing, and prosecutor Cynthia Schroer said she was uncertain if the Mohler men would hire a private attorney or if they would agree to have a court appointed attorney. The Mohler men charged in the case include Mohler Sr., 77, and his four adult sons Burrell Edward Mohler Jr., 53, David A. Mohler, 52, Jared Leroy Mohler, 48, and Roland Neil Mohler, 47. All five men have been charged with sex crimes that occurred between March 1988 and March 1995, according to the probable cause, which contains graphic content. A cousin of the Mohler men sat in the courtroom during their court appearance, but declined to comment to reporters. Investigators continue to search farm property in Lafayette County, Mo., where Mohler Sr. once lived. It is believed graphic sex acts were performed on several of the Mohler children on the property. Police also said they have reason to believe there may be bodies buried there. For residents of Lafayette County, shock is giving way to anger as authorities say there may be more charges forthcoming against the Mohler men. Authorities also say that they have not ruled out making more arrests in the case. "I think they should keep them in prisons or mental institutions and find out what makes them tick," said resident Laura Bolander. "We can put men on the moon, we can do everything along that line. But we don't know why people do these kind of things. It's a sickness, they should treat it like a sickness." The Lafayette County Sheriff's Department says that the investigation into the case is proceeding slowly at least in part due to tight budget constraints caused by the recession, with fewer investigators available to work on the growing case. But Lafayette County's Presiding Commissioner, Jim Strodtman, says that taxpayers will provide any support necessary to achieve justice for children. "It does take a lot of manpower to do investigations on a thing like this," said Strodtman. "But we got a good sheriff, he'll do a good job, he will do whatever is necessary to get the job done." The investigation started in August when a 26-year-old relative of the men told police she was abused at least eight times and was forced to watch abuse against her brother at least once. At one point, a female relative said she was forced to have sex with a dog. The probable cause stated the female relative was forced to have an abortion at age 11 and was also forced to "marry" several of her relatives. The victim said she and her four sisters were part of several mock marriage ceremonies that would be conducted before the men would have sexual intercourse with them. She said she and her sisters would adorn their hair with flowers and wear special dresses for the ceremonies. The men are being held on cash bonds. Their next court hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 17.
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