Deputies say Mount Ayr man sexually assaulted a child in his vehicle

A Ringgold County man is being held on $45,000 cash-only bond after he was charged with three counts relating to the sexual abuse of a child.

After a joint investigation by the Ringgold County Sheriff’s Office and Department of Criminal Investigations, a warrant was issued for Craig M. O’Brien, 35, of Mount Ayr, for the charges of sexual abuse, second degree, a Class B felony and two counts of sexual abuse, third degree in which the victim is a child and was abused by someone four or more years older, Class C felonies. O’Brien was taken into custody April 15.

According to Ringgold County reports, the alleged abuse took place sometime during August through December of 2023 and February through April 2025.

During these times, O’Brien reportedly picked up the victim, then 13-years-old, with his vehicle and took them to an unknown location where he pulled his pants down and forced the victim to do the same before pulling the victim onto his lap in an attempt to have sex with the victim.

In another instance, O’Brien forced the victim into the back seat of his vehicle where he sexually assaulted them. Later, he sent the victim a text message referencing wanting the victim back on top of him. Another text message sent to the victim by O’Brien made mention of wanting oral sex acts. The victim told police O’Brien forced them to perform these acts on him in exchange for vape pods.

This is not the first time O’Brien has faced charges relating to the sexual abuse of a minor. In May 2025, O’Brien was charged with grooming and enticing a minor. These charges were dismissed at the request of Ringgold County Attorney Michael T. Wells in August 2025, citing lack of sufficient evidence.

This came after O’Brien’s attorney filed a motion to suppress evidence against him found discovered on his cell phone. The motion stated the search warrant for the phone, signed by a magistrate, lacked specific information sought from the phone, calling it a “fishing expedition.” Wells filed the motion to dismiss all charges before the suppression hearing took place.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for 3 p.m. April 22 at the Ringgold County Courthouse in Mount Ayr.