Corning man charged with grooming, prostitution, drug distribution to minors

On Wednesday, the Adams County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at the home of Phillip Bassett, 68, of Corning, after an investigation found Bassett had provided narcotics and alcohol to minors and had minors at his home for his sexual pleasures. Bassett lives less than 1,000 feet from the Southwest Valley High School.

Bassett was charged with ongoing criminal conduct - unlawful activity and three counts of drug distribution violation to persons under 18, all Class B felonies; pandering of a minor for prostitution, sex abuse, third degree - child victim, both Class C felonies; enticing a minor under 16 - sexual purpose, grooming and prostitution, Class D felonies and keeping premises or vehicle for controlled substance violation, an aggravated misdemeanor.

Evidence obtained from Bassett’s cell phone provided messages, Snapchats and Telegrams indicating drug distribution, prostitution and alcohol consumption over the course of six months at Bassett’s home.

On Jan. 9, police say Bassett drove to Maryville, Missouri, where he purchased marijuana cartridges and batteries that he brought to his home in Corning where he gave and sold them to victims between the ages of 15 and 17.

Text messages were found on Basset’s phone, sent between August 2025 and January 2026, between him and a 17-year-old victim stating the victim would not have to pay rent if he paid Bassett with sexual favors.

Bassett reportedly touched a 14-year-old victim on the inner thigh, moving his hand toward the victim’s genital area and touching them there. A 15-year-old victim was kissed on the cheek by Bassett on multiple occasions without consent of the victim.

In January, on two separate dates, Bassett asked a 15-year-old victim to come to his room and sit on the side of the bed. Once the victim was seated on the bed, Bassett began to masturbate in front of the victim. Evidence obtained from videos on Bassett’s cell phone showed Bassett pleasuring himself in the manner described by the victim.

Bassett was transported to the Adams County Jail and held on $150,000 cash or surety bond. He is scheduled to appear in Adams County District Court at 2:30 p.m. Jan. 30 for a preliminary hearing on the charges.