Man accused of raping child in exchange for giving meth to her mother

GILLIAM, Mo. (KCTV/Gray News) - A man is accused of raping an elementary school-aged child in exchange for methamphetamine for her mother.

According to the Saline County Sheriff’s Office, a child reported last April that she was sexually assaulted by Thomas L. Gibbs Jr.

The victim said that between the ages of 3 and 12, her mother would allow men to sexually abuse her in exchange for methamphetamine. One of the men was identified as Gibbs.

During the interview, the victim described Gibbs’ trailer, where he would allegedly make methamphetamine. She then described an instance during which Gibbs allegedly raped her when she was around 7 or 8 years old.

When the victim was older, investigators said her grandmother was given guardianship, and she was taken out of the situation. After that, she began to open up about what happened to her, and it was reported to therapists and investigators.

Throughout the year-long investigation, multiple witnesses placed Gibbs at the victim’s home during the time she claimed she was assaulted.

Gibbs was arrested on May 7 at his home. When he was advised that his arrest was for his relationship with the victim, he immediately demanded a lawyer.

Gibbs remains in jail on a $250,000 bond. His next hearing is on June 4.

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