A Marshall teen has been charged with sex-related felonies involving a juvenile after several alleged incidents that began last year in Saline County.
According to a probable-cause statement, on January 10, 2018, Marshall Police officers spoke with a juvenile victim during a forensic interview, who stated 18-year-old Anthony Gerst allegedly performed several sexual acts on the victim, which reportedly began in late October 2017. During one incident, Gerst allegedly wrapped the victim’s mouth and hands with a belt and performed a sexual act on the victim. Reportedly, Gerst threatened to kill the victim if someone was told about the incident.
Officers then spoke with Gerst, who reportedly stated he has a history of acting out in a sexual manner and can’t control it at this point in his life. Gerst reportedly detailed three other encounters, and allegedly bribe the victim with toys in exchange for sexual favors.
Online court documents state Gerst has been charged with three counts of an Unclassified Felony for Statutory Sodomy or Attempted Sodomy-Deviate Sexual Intercourse with a Person Less Than 14 years old and a Class C Felony for Third-Degree Child Molestation with a Child Less Than 14 years old. Bond was set at $150,000 cash only with special conditions.
Gerst’s initial hearing at Saline County Circuit Court in Marshall is pending.