Jury convicts Granby man of child molestation, sexual misconduct

(From the Newton County Prosecuting Attorney's Office)

A McDonald County jury convicted Rogers Benton King III, 47, of Granby Missouri, of Child Molestation in the Second Degree and Sexual Misconduct Involving a Child Under 15, following
a trial in front of Judge Charles Genisio of the 40th Judicial Circuit.

The state on Wednesday called the victim of the case who testified when she was 6 years old, the
defendant molested her by rubbing his genitalia against hers in late 2021 or early 2022. 

In addition to other witnesses, the state also called Teressa Berry, clinical therapist for the victim, who testified about further disclosures and details the victim was able to disclose.

On Thursday, the state presented testimony from a relative of the defendant who testified that when she was a child the defendant was physically and sexually abusive to her as well. That relative explained
that she did disclose to a teacher when the abuse occurred, but it went no further than that. 

When asked about why she came forward now, she explained that when she found out he had done this to another little girl, she wanted to intervene, testifying “I can be a voice for someone, when I didn’t have a voice myself.”

“The victim was consistent in what she testified to, and that’s because the truth doesn’t change,“ stated
Nate Dally, Assistant Prosecuting Attorney in closing argument. 

“There isn’t any motivation for her to be untruthful. She testified that this happened continuously whenever the defendant had access to this child and she’s been consistent with this fact.”

The jury of 8 women and 4 men deliberated for nearly five hours before returning the guilty verdict.

The charges for which the defendant was convicted carry sentences of 5 to 15 years and 1 to 4 years in
the Missouri Department of Corrections. Sentencing is set for Friday at 9 am.

“This case outlines some of the hurdles we have to overcome in securing convictions on child sexual
abuse cases. Disclosures can be delayed, continued disclosures can occur as the victim seeks counseling, and even at trial we can have to adjust our strategy according to the way the testimony comes out and the evidence is admitted,” stated William Lynch, Newton County Prosecuting Attorney. 

“We’ve built a strong team of committed attorneys, advocates, and staff that seek justice for our victims and keep Newton County safe.”

This conviction was made possible thanks to our partners at the Children’s Center of Southwest Missouri and the Newton County Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted Nate Dally, Dillon Walker, and
William Lynch of the Newton County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.