Granby man sentenced to nine years for child sex crimes

(From the Newton County Prosecuting Attorney's Office)

Newton County Prosecuting Attorney William Lynch announced today that Rogers Benton King III, 47, of Granby, Missouri, has been sentenced to nine years in the Missouri Department of Corrections after a Newton County jury found him guilty of Child Molestation in the Second Degree and Sexual Misconduct.

The victim was only six years old when the offenses occurred. 

Following a jury trial in March, jurors convicted King of both charges and recommended sentences totaling nine years in the Missouri Department of Corrections. Judge Charles Genisio, of the 40th Judicial Circuit, imposed the sentence recommended by the jury, which he cannot exceed under Missouri Law.

“Every child deserves to be safe in their own home and protected by the adults entrusted with their care,” said Prosecuting Attorney William Lynch. “Instead, this defendant exploited that trust and victimized a six-year-old child. While no sentence can undo the harm caused by these crimes, today's sentence ensures that Rogers King will be held accountable for his actions.”

Lynch emphasized the importance of reporting child abuse and supporting victims throughout the criminal justice process.

“Cases involving child victims are among the most difficult we prosecute. Children often lack the ability to protect themselves, which means it is the responsibility of adults to listen, to act, and to report abuse when it comes to light. This conviction was only possible because family members took the victim's disclosures seriously and because law enforcement and child advocacy professionals worked tirelessly to uncover the truth.”

“Let this case serve as a reminder that those who prey upon children will be pursued, prosecuted, and held accountable. The Newton County Prosecuting Attorney's Office remains committed to protecting children, standing with victims, and seeking justice in every case where the evidence supports criminal charges.”

This case was investigated by the Newton County Sheriff's Office with assistance from the Children's Center of Southwest Missouri and prosecuted by Assistant Prosecuting Attorneys Nate Dally and Dillon Walker, together with Prosecuting Attorney William Lynch.