Attorney General's News Release

September 22, 2008

Jury commits Everton man as sexually violent predator

Nevada, Mo. - A jury in Vernon County on Friday (Sept. 19) found Paul Bowles to be a sexually violent predator (SVP) and committed him to the state treatment center in Farmington. Circuit Judge Neal R. Quitno signed the judgment and commitment order.

The office of Attorney General Jay Nixon sought to have Bowles (DOB - 5/30/62) committed as an SVP due to his conviction in Vernon County for sexual assault 1st degree involving a 14-year old girl, for which he received 10 years in prison. The offense occurred in Dade County, and the trial was moved on a change of venue to Vernon County. Nixon's office filed a petition for civil commitment in the case.

"My office continues to aggressively pursue the indefinite commitment of those who still pose a threat to the public safety of Missourians," Nixon said. "While these offenders are civilly committed, they can receive 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 105 sexually violent predators held in civil commitment in Missouri. Sexually violent predator 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 Communications Office.

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