Gower man charged after allegedly sexually abusing foster children in his care

CLINTON COUNTY, Mo. (KCTV) - A Gower man and former foster parent is facing charges after investigators say multiple victims reported sexual abuse spanning years.

William Eric Webb, 53, is charged with two counts of statutory sodomy, one count of child molestation, and one count of furnishing or attempt to furnish pornographic material to a minor, the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office said.

A probable cause statement says on August 10, an investigation was launched after the Children’s Division contacted a deputy about a 17-year-old reporting abuse by Webb while in foster care at his home. The victims told investigators Webb abused them as children, with one alleging the abuse started when they were around 5-6 years old and continued until they were 15.

Webb is also accused of failing to report abuse by another man, James Cockriel, after a victim disclosed the abuse to him, the statement said.

The Clinton County Sheriff’s Office said on Wednesday, they executed a search warrant in the 8900 block of NW 268th Street in Gower after a lengthy investigation into Webb. They arrested him and seized items related to the investigation.

Clinton County officials said Webb is being held without bond.