Man found guilty of statutory rape, sodomy, child molestation in Mississippi County

CHARLESTON, Mo. (KBSI) – A man was found guilty on five felony charges in Mississippi County on Thursday.

James L. Guthrie was found guilty of three counts of statutory rape, one count of sodomy and one count of child molestation, according to the Office of the Mississippi County Prosecuting Attorney Claire E. Poley.

The guilty verdict was reached on August 15 after a two-day jury trial that began on August 14.

“We are pleased that justice has been served in this case,” said Prosecuting Attorney Claire E. Poley. “These crimes are heinous, and today’s verdict is a crucial step in ensuring that those who prey on the most vulnerable members of our community are held accountable for their actions.”

The trial involved testimonies and evidence that revealed a disturbing pattern of abuse.

The verdict represents the culmination of months of work by law enforcement, prosecutor and people who came forward to share their experiences.

“I would like to personally thank the jurors who gave their time and thoughtful consideration to this case, as well as the court staff who ensured that the trial ran smoothly. Their dedication to our justice system is commendable, and their service is invaluable to our community,” said Prosecuting Attorney Poley. “I want to acknowledge the extraordinary courage of the victims who came forward to testify. It takes incredible strength to confront such painful experiences in a public forum, and their bravery was essential to securing this conviction.”

Guthrie is set to be sentenced at a later date.