West Plains, MO. – A Willow Springs man was arrested last Friday following a grand jury indictment for child molestation.
Gary Allen Burk has been charged with six counts of 2nd-degree child molestation with a child less than 17 years of age and offender greater than 4 years older.
The investigation into Burk began in April 2019. According to the probable cause statement, a minor female had told authorities that Burk had sexual contact with her at a residence in Lebanon, Missouri, at his residence in Willow Springs, and while staying at a hotel in West Plains. Burk denied the allegations in interviews with law enforcement.
Burk went for arraignment on August 25th but refused to enter any plea without an attorney present. The court has entered him as pleading not guilty. The prosecuting attorney was not present that day either.
Burk pleaded guilty to possession of a controlled substance in January 2023 and has been on probation since.
All suspects should be considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
