BREAKING: Karsten Brian Abbott, a 24-year-old man from Ironton, has been charged with multiple counts of sexual assault related to incidents involving a minor in Farmington. The charges include two counts of statutory sodomy and three counts of child molestation, stemming from events that occurred between December 6 and December 15, 2025.
Law enforcement officials confirmed that Abbott was arrested on December 28, 2025, after a detailed interview with the victim at the Children’s Advocacy Center. The victim recounted disturbing sexual encounters with Abbott on three separate occasions throughout December.
Abbott was released on the same day after posting a $250,000 cash or surety bond, with stringent conditions imposed by the court. These conditions include mandatory attendance at all court hearings, a prohibition on alcohol and controlled substances, and compliance with pre-trial monitoring. Furthermore, he is required to wear a GPS monitoring device at his own expense and must adhere to strict exclusion zones that encompass the victim’s home and workplace.
The case is being prosecuted by St. Francois County Prosecuting Attorney Blake Dudley and Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Sarah Jackson. Judge Joseph Murray has been assigned to oversee the proceedings, with an initial court appearance scheduled for February 5, 2026.
This situation is developing rapidly, and authorities are expected to provide further updates as the case unfolds. The community is urged to remain vigilant and supportive during this troubling time.
Stay tuned for more information as it becomes available. Lisa Brotherton-Barnes, editor for the Daily Journal and Farmington Press, can be contacted at [email protected].
