Editor's note: This article has been updated to clarify information about Schraml's wife.
A Sedalia man is facing multiple charges related to sexually abusing children.
Paul J. Schraml, 29, has been charged with one count of first-degree statutory rape, two counts of first-degree statutory sodomy, two counts of first-degree child molestation, one count of sexual misconduct involving a child, two counts of incest, and one count of tampering with physical evidence in felony prosecution.
According to a probable cause statement, on Jan. 26, 2012, a Sedalia police officer was contacted by a social worker with Children's Mercy Hospital in Kansas City. The social worker reported sexual abuse allegations of three female children after the mother of the children brought them in for an exam. The family had been residing in Sedalia and Schraml is known to the mother and children.
On Feb. 1, the same Sedalia police officer watched forensic interviews of the children aged 4, 12, and 10 conducted at Child Safe of Central Missouri through a CCTV camera in a separate room. The 4-year-old indicated Schraml had abused her in several ways.
In a separate interview, the 12-year-old stated Schraml threatened he would come after her family and kill them. She said Schraml was the one who did things to her and her sisters. The girl further indicated sexual abuse had been going on for about five years.
In a third interview, the 10-year-old child also indicated sexual abuse by Schraml.
On Feb. 2, Schraml's wife was interviewed at the Sedalia Police Department. Shortly before she took the children for exams at Children's Mercy, Schraml had told his wife he had a fetish for 12- and 13-year-old girls. She said she planned to leave once she learned of his fetish and of an incident he disclosed to her where he had sexual thoughts about a child.
On Feb. 2, the officer went to the family's home and looked at items through a blacklight noting bodily fluids. Blankets were seized as evidence.
On Feb. 4, the officer attempted to locate Schraml but could not locate him. The officer made contact via phone and told Schraml he would like to set up a time to speak in person regarding some accusations that had been made. The officer told Schraml he was trying to get his side of the story. Schraml ultimately said he would be speaking with his attorney before he agreed to meet regarding the case.
Schraml was subsequently arrested Feb. 10, 2021. He is being held with no bond and has a hearing scheduled for Feb. 23 in Pettis County Circuit Court.
