Sedalia Man Pleads Guilty to Child Molestation

On March 11, 2023, Pettis County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Bureau Investigators were assigned a child sex abuse investigation involving two minor children and the named suspect, Marlon Edward Lange.

The investigation was completed and upon conclusion it was determined probable cause existed and crimes had been committed by Lange against the children. Criminal charges were sought and a warrant for Lange’s arrest was issued on August 31, 2023 for the following crimes with a bond amount of $250,000.00, (23PT-CR00143).
1. Enticement or Attempted Enticement of a child (Actor 21 years of age or older and child less than 15 years of age);
2. Child Molestation - 1st Degree;
3. Child Molestation - 1st Degree;
4. Child Molestation - 1st Degree;

During the investigation, Lange had fled to New Mexico, upon learning of the warrant for his arrest. He voluntarily returned to Pettis County and self-surrendered at the Pettis County Jail on September 3, 2023. He eventually bonded out of jail.

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On July 15, 2024, Lange pled guilty to the following crimes and was remanded to the Pettis County Jail and will be transferred to the Missouri Department of Corrections (23PT-CR00143-01).
1. Child Molestation 3rd Degree (Class C Felony) – 10 years, consecutive;
2. Child Molestation 3rd Degree (Class C Felony) – 10 years, consecutive.

The Pettis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, Prosecutor Tony Farkas, and Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Scott Fox prosecuted this case, Victim Advocate, Shannon Boeschen provided support for the family and the victims. Also assisting in the investigation was the Missouri Department of Social Services, Children’s Division and Child Safe of Central Missouri, LLC.

"Excellent work by all," commented Pettis County Sheriff Brad Anders on Thursday.