'Safari Joe' in court for preliminary hearing in child sex abuse case
Photographer: KJRH
Copyright 2012 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Posted: 09/27/2012
MAYES COUNTY, Okla. - A popular Green Country exotic animal owner accused of sexually abusing children is due in court for a preliminary hearing Thursday.
Joe Estes, known as Safari Joe, turned himself in to the Mayes County Sheriff's Office in August.
He's facing one count of rape by instrumentation and two counts of lewd molestation and lewd or indecent acts to a child under 16.
Prosecutors say the abuse took place as far back as seven years ago on or near the wildlife sanctuary he runs in Adair.
Estes is currently free on bond.
Copyright 2012 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
PRINT
Also in the headlines
-
Neighbors grieve, vow to rebuild
The couple lost their home in Monday's tornado, one of the worst to ever tear through Oklahoma, but Hymel says it was the loss of her good friend and neighbor Terry Long that breaks her heart the most.
-
Boat driver admits to drinking, pills
-
4 Americans killed by drones since 2009
-
Should home storm shelters be required?
-
GUIDE: Build your own storm shelter
-
Aid, volunteers show up for Moore
Photo Galleries
-
PHOTOS: Tornado aftermath in Moore
Photos of the tornado aftermath in Moore, Oklahoma.
-
Tornadoes and damage on May 19
-
Grand Lake boat crash leaves 2 dead
-
PICS: OKC in the 2013 NBA Playoffs
-
O.J. Simpson testifies, seeks new trial
