A Macon man is being held on a $100,000 cash-only bond after Macon County prosecutors charged him with three felonies, including first-degree child molestation.
Paul E. Vanlue was arrested Sept. 1 at 4:33 p.m. by the Macon County Sheriff’s Office, according to the return on the arrest warrant. He was charged Aug. 31 in Macon County Circuit Court in case 26MA-CR00250.
Prosecuting Attorney Joshua Meisner filed three counts: child molestation in the first degree, a class A felony; endangering the welfare of a child in the first degree, a class D felony; and sexual misconduct involving a child under 15, a class E felony. All three counts allege conduct on or between Aug. 1 and Aug. 3, 2026, in Macon County. The alleged victim was under 12.
Associate Circuit Judge Kristen Burks issued the warrant Aug. 31, setting bond at $100,000 cash only. As a condition of release, Vanlue is ordered to have no contact with the alleged victim or with any child under 18.
The sheriff’s office opened the investigation Aug. 25 after a report of sexual abuse, according to the probable cause statement filed by Lt. Tyler Robinson. The child was interviewed at a forensic interview and was medically evaluated at Boone Hospital Center.
A first-degree child molestation conviction carries 10 to 30 years or life in the Missouri Department of Corrections, served without eligibility for probation, parole or conditional release. It also carries lifetime supervision.
A bond appearance hearing is set for 10 a.m. Sept. 3 before Judge Burks in Macon.
Charges are accusations. Vanlue is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.