Attorney General's News Release

August 7, 2008

Court sentences Moberly man to 27 years on statutory rape, sodomy, other charges out of Chariton, Howard counties

Moberly, Mo. - A Moberly man found guilty in May on eight felony charges related to sexual crimes against children in Chariton and Howard counties was sentenced today to 27 years in prison.

Randolph County Circuit Judge Scott A. Hayes sentenced Ronald Durham Sr. (DOB - 7/11/56) to 23 years on each of two counts of statutory rape in the first degree, and seven years on each of two counts of child molestation in the first degree and two counts of use of a child in a sexual performance. Those charges were originally filed in Howard County. Judge Hayes also sentenced Durham to 23 years on one count of statutory sodomy in the first degree, and four years on one count of incest. Those charges were filed in Chariton County.

All the sentences are to run concurrent, except for the incest sentence, which will run consecutive to the other sentences.

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 was held in Randolph County on a change of venue, where a jury found Durham guilty on May 16.

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All media inquiries should be directed to Press Secretary John Fougere.

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