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LEXINGTON, Mo. (AP) Authorities in western Missouri say five family members have been arrested on sex crime charges against children.

The five men are charged with several felonies, including forcible sodomy and forcible rape with a child less than 12 years old and use of a child in a sexual performance.

Court records say many of the charges stem from alleged crimes dating back to 1988.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol says the men are family members but did not identify how they were related. All five are being held at the Lafayette County jail.

A search is under way on a rural property outside Bates City, about 30 miles east of Kansas City.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 11-11-09 1054CST | save this article / add to your favorites list