
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SATURDAY, October 8, 1994                   TAG: 9410100047
SECTION: CURRENT                    PAGE: NRV-2   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: KATHY LOAN STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: CHRISTIANSBURG                                 LENGTH: Short

SCHOOL PLAY LEADS TO SEX CHARGES

A school play warning children about sexual abuse is being credited for bringing about 15 charges against a Christiansburg man.

Town police have charged Myron J. "Mike" Macomber, 44, of Belmont Drive with sodomy, aggravated sexual battery, inanimate object sexual penetration and taking indecent liberties with a child under the age of 13.

Lt. Doug Marrs said the girl reported her allegations of abuse after observing the play, "Hugs and Kisses" at her elementary school. The play, presented by the Child Abuse Prevention Coalition, educates children on how to identify sexual abuse and informs them what to do if they are being abused, Marrs said.

Macomber was charged Friday after a joint investigation by the police and the Montgomery County Department of Social Services. He is being held in the Montgomery County Jail in lieu of a $125,000 bond.

According to a search warrant filed in the county clerk's office, the girl complained that she was sexually abused, sodomized and penetrated by inanimate objects used for sexual acts until very recently.

Macomber will likely be arraigned on the charges Tuesday.

by CNB