infoNew Mexico Man Suspected of Sexually Assaulting Young Girl

New Mexico Man Suspected of Sexually Assaulting Young Girl

Las Cruces police have arrested a man suspected of sexually assaulting a 5-year-old girl on numerous occasions.

Investigators learned that on Sept. 2, 2020, a 5-year-old girl disclosed to her grandmother that Kelly James Scoughton, 52, a relative, sexually assaulted her when she was at his home. Investigators interviewed several relatives and conducted a safe-house interview with the young girl. Investigators learned that Scoughton, on several occasions, sexually assaulted or had illegal contact with the young victim.

Investigators also learned that Scoughton took at least one inappropriate photo of the 5-year-old girl and, at least once, held the victim against her will.

Investigators obtained a warrant for Scoughton\u00e2\u0080\u0099s arrest. He was arrested Thursday morning and is initially being held without bond at the Dona Ana County Detention Center.

Scoughton is charged with four third-degree felony counts of child abuse, two first-degree felony counts of criminal sexual penetration of a minor, one second-degree felony count of sexual exploitation of a child and one fourth-degree felony count of false imprisonment. Scoughton also faces four misdemeanor counts of enticement of a child.