UPDATE: An urgent situation has emerged in Farmington as Karsten Brian Abbott, a 24-year-old from Ironton, faces serious charges of sexual assault. Authorities have charged Abbott with two counts of statutory sodomy and three counts of child molestation related to incidents reported between December 6 and December 15, 2025.
The charges came to light after law enforcement conducted an interview on December 23, 2025, at the Children’s Advocacy Center. During this session, the victim provided detailed accounts of the alleged encounters with Abbott on three separate dates in December.
Abbott was apprehended on December 28, 2025, and a $250,000 cash or surety bond was established, imposing strict conditions on his release. These conditions require him to appear at all court dates, abstain from alcohol and controlled substances unless prescribed, and submit to drug testing when requested. Additionally, Abbott must wear a GPS monitoring device at his own expense and is prohibited from contacting the victim or any witnesses involved in the case.
The initial court appearance before Judge Joseph Murray is scheduled for February 5, 2026. Notably, Abbott’s attorney, Christopher Hartmann, is representing him, while the prosecution is led by St. Francois County Prosecuting Attorney Blake Dudley and Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Sarah Jackson.
As this is a developing story, updates will be provided as more information becomes available. The serious nature of these allegations underscores the urgent need for community awareness and vigilance regarding child safety.
Stay tuned for further updates on this significant case.
