Attorney General's News Release

March 27, 2007

Butler County judge commits Poplar Bluff man as sexually violent predator

Poplar Bluff, Mo.— A Butler County judge has found Donnie Dunivan of Poplar Bluff to be a sexually violent predator (SVP) and has committed him to the state treatment center in Farmington. Circuit Judge William J. Clarkson signed the judgment and commitment order on Mar. 23.

The office of Attorney General Jay Nixon sought to have Dunivan committed as an SVP after he finished serving a five-year prison sentence after he pleaded guilty in Butler County in 1995 for sodomy against a 16-year-old boy.

Dunivan (DOB - 12/20/52) earlier pleaded guilty to rape charges against teenage boys in Clay County, Ark., in 1983 and misdemeanor child molestation charges in Butler County, Mo., in 1978.

"My office will seek the continued commitment of those who still pose a danger to society," Nixon said. "While they are committed, these individuals can get the treatment they need."

Those committed by the court as sexually violent predators have the right to have their cases reviewed to determine if their mental abnormality has so changed that they are not likely to commit acts of sexual violence if released.

Currently, there are 81 committed sexually violent predators in Missouri. SVP commitments are handled by the Public Safety Division in Nixon=s office. Missouri=s sexually violent predator law took effect in January 1999.

Inquiries from consumers should be directed to consumer@ago.mo.gov or 1-800-392-8222 (from within Missouri) or 573-751-3321 (outside Missouri).

All media inquiries should be directed to the Press Secretary.

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