Attorney General's News Release

May 19, 2008

Jury finds Moberly man guilty of two counts of statutory rape, six other charges out of Chariton, Howard counties

Moberly, Mo. - A Randolph County jury on Friday (May 16) found Ronald Durham Sr. of Moberly guilty on eight felony charges related to sexual crimes against children. Durham (DOB - 7/11/56) was convicted of two counts of statutory rape in the first degree, one count of statutory sodomy in the first degree, two counts of child molestation in the first degree, two counts of use of a child in a sexual performance, and one count of incest.

The trial was held in Randolph County on a change of venue from Chariton and Howard counties, where the charges were originally filed. The charges alleged that Durham committed the crimes between 1995 and 1997 against two child victims who are now adults. The victims reported the abuse in 2004. The office of Attorney General Jay Nixon assisted the prosecuting attorneys of Chariton and Howard counties with the case.

The trial court has not yet scheduled sentencing. At sentencing, Durham faces no less than 10 years in prison and up to life on one of the statutory rape convictions, because the victim was younger than 12 years old. On the other statutory rape conviction and the statutory sodomy conviction, Durham faces no less than five years and up to life in prison.

On the convictions of child molestation and the use of a child in a sexual performance, he faces up to seven years on each conviction; and he faces up to four years in prison on the incest conviction.

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 Press Secretary John Fougere.

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