Police need info on accused molester

Independence police are looking for additional information about an Independence man facing child molestation charges.

William R. Watkins, 53, was charged on Dec. 21 in Jackson County Court with five counts of child molestation in the first degree and possession of child pornography.

Watkins was arrested on the evening of Dec. 20 as part of an ongoing investigation by the Independence police.

According to a press release, Watkins' history of lewd conduct dates back to 1982. Several individuals have already come forward including two people who have moved to different states.

Listed below are Watkins' known residences and places of employment.
Known residences:
1990 to 1991, 9800 block of Lenexa Drive in Lenexa, Kan.
May to September 1987, 11600 block of East 19th Street in Independence.
October 1987 to July 1988, 15800 block of 45th Terrace in Independence.
November 1993 to July 1995, 1900 block of South Hardy in Independence.
July 1995 to October 1999, 16700 block of 28th Place in Independence.
October 1999 to June 2000, 1900 block of Pembroke Crescent West in Independence.
June 2000 to present, 3100 block of South Linwood in Independence. Known places of employment:
Owner/operator of Prime Cuts in Independence
Early 1990s to approximately 2004, 13700 block of 35th Street Court in Independence.
2004 to present, 3100 block of South Linwood. For the past 18 years, Watkins has dressed as Beetlejuice at The Beast Haunted House in Kansas City. He has also regularly played The Grinch and other characters at various functions.
Individuals with information concerning the case should contact John Howe (816-325-7805), Jason Young (816-325-7072) or Matt Fowler (816-325-7255).