“As a former prosecutor and a father of four, I want Missouri to be the safest state in the nation for children, which is why I will continue to convict violent criminals who prey on Missouri’s most vulnerable,” said Attorney General Bailey. “I’m proud of the work done by my office in this case, and we will continue to assist any local prosecutor across the state who needs our help in obtaining convictions.”
After the four-day trial was conducted in Ralls County on a change of venue, Sims was convicted of seven (7) felony counts: two counts of Statutory Sodomy in the First Degree, Statutory Rape in the Second Degree, Statutory Sodomy in the Second Degree, Kidnapping, Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, and Forcible Sodomy for events surrounding the repeated sexual abuse of a minor female child that took place in Monroe County. The criminal investigation was initiated as a coordinated effort between the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and East Central Missouri Drug Task Force.
Following former prosecutor Talley M. Smith’s promotion to Associate Circuit Judge, the Attorney General’s Office was appointed to assist the Monroe County Prosecuting Attorney with the prosecution of Sims. The case was tried by Assistant Attorneys General Paige K. Wheeler and Miranda L. Loesch with assistance from current Monroe County Prosecuting Attorney Nicole D. Volkert. Also assisting from the Missouri Attorney General’s Office were investigators Steven McReynolds and Carl Schwartze, victim advocate Carrie Boessen, and legal assistant Whitney Wilson.
“I’m thankful to Attorney General Bailey and his talented team, especially Paige and Miranda, for all their hard work in this case,” said Volkert. “Their efforts were critical to the State of Missouri obtaining these convictions and getting justice for the victim.”
Sentencing is set before Judge Jason H. Lamb, for June 2, 2023, at 9:00 a.m. in Ralls County. Sims faces up to three consecutive life sentences, plus 44 years in the Missouri Department of Corrections.