Editor's note: For an updated and expanded version of this story, see Osage County sheriff charged in stalking probe.
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The Osage County sheriff has been charged in a stalking case that occurred before he took office.
Phelps County Prosecutor John Beger, special prosecutor in this case, filed charges against Sheriff Michael Dixon, on Wednesday.
Beger was appointed by courts in Osage and Maries counties to investigate complaints against Dixon, who started serving as sheriff in January and previously served as city marshal in Belle.
Dixon is charged with first-degree tampering for operating a four-wheeler without the owner's permission on or around June 26. If convicted, he could face up to seven years in prison or up to a year in the county jail and a fine of up to $5,000.
The misdemeanor charges include first-degree sexual misconduct, third-degree assault, harassment and stalking.
The victim told authorities Dixon touched her genital area with a flashlight while the harassment and stalking charges allege repeated comments of suggestive and sexual nature and numerous calls unrelated to either the victim's or Dixon's work "that would have caused a reasonable person under the circumstances to be frightened, intimidated or emotionally distressed."
These charges are punishable by jail time ranging from up to one year and fines ranging up to $1000.
No court date has been set for this case, and Beger declined to comment further.