Eric Wyatt Sentenced to Department of Corrections
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Anna L. Bunch Senior Assistant Prosecuting Attorney (417) 581-7915
DATE: January 31, 2018
RE: ERIC WYATT SENTENCED TO DEPT. OF CORRECTIONS
OZARK, MO – The Christian County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office announces today that on January 31, 2018, Eric N. Wyatt DOB: 1/8/1975 of Nixa, Missouri, was sentenced by the Honorable Judge Elizabeth Bock to the Missouri Department of Corrections.
The Court had found Wyatt guilty of child molestation in the first degree following a bench trial that was held November 29-30, 2017. Before the bench trial began, Wyatt pled guilty to another count, which was tampering with a motor vehicle in the first degree. The incidents charged occurred in 2014.
At today’s hearing, the State requested Wyatt be sentenced to fifteen (15) years in the Missouri Department of Corrections. The defense requested that Wyatt receive probation or 120 days under the Sex Offender Assessment Unit.
The Court sentenced Wyatt to seven (7) years in the Missouri Department of Corrections on the child molestation count and three (3) years on the tampering with a motor vehicle count, said counts to run concurrently. Wyatt was also ordered to pay restitution under 559.105, RSMo. to the victim of the tampering count.
The range of punishment for child molestation in the first degree was five (5) to fifteen (15) years in the Missouri Department of Corrections. The range of punishment for tampering in the first degree was a term of incarceration not to exceed seven (7) years in the Missouri Department of Corrections, and/or a fine not to exceed $5000.
The case was handled by Senior Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Anna L. Bunch. The case was investigated by the Christian County Sheriff’s Office.
Christian County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office Annual Report 2017
The Office of the Christian County Prosecuting Attorney has released its annual report covering cases filed from December 1, 2016 to November 30, 2017.
The report includes a few notable statistics including a 28% increase in felony charges filed over the same period last year and a 98% increase since 2011.
The Christian County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office is grateful of the support it has received from its Law Enforcement partners and the citizens of Christian County as it pursues its goal to seek and serve justice in 2018 and beyond.
Click Here to Access the Full 2017 Annual Report
Hahne Receives 10 Years in Multiple Cases
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: NOVEMER 2, 2017
On October 30, 2017, the Honorable Jennifer Growcock, Circuit Judge of Division 2 of the Christian County Circuit Court, sentenced former Highlandville resident, Joseph W. Hahne (40), to the Missouri Department of Corrections. Hahne was a charged as a prior and persistent offender in 5 different cases. The charges and corresponding sentences are as follows:
• Receiving Stolen Property (Class C Felony): 10 Years
• Receiving Stolen Property (Class C Felony): 10 years
• Making False Report (Class B Misdemeanor): 6 Months
• Receiving Stolen Property (Class C Felony): 7 years
• Fraudulently Stop Payment (Class D Felony): 5 years
• Defrauding Secured Creditor (Class D Felony): 5 years
• Passing Bad Check (Class A Misdemeanor): 30 Days
All sentences are to be run concurrent for a maximum of 10-years in the Missouri Department of Corrections. The Court retained jurisdiction for 120 days with Institutional Treatment in the Department of Corrections.
The State was represented by Christian County Senior Assistant Prosecuting Attorney John L. Young. The Victim Advocate was Julie Harlan.
Kristen Tuohy Appointed To State Board By Governor
First Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Kristen Tuohy was appointed by Missouri Governor Eric Greitens to the Child Abuse and Neglect Review Board on October 27, 2017.
Tuohy was appointed as part of an effort by the Governor and First Lady Sheena Greitens to increase the representation of women on the state’s boards and commissions. This commitment was made by the administration to honor the 25th anniversary of the Women’s Foundation
Tuohy’s appointment was based on her excellent record of service to the State of Missouri, as well as her work for Christian County in prosecuting crimes against children and sexual assaults.
NEW ASSISTANT PROSECUTING ATTORNEY PATRICK SPRINGER SWORN IN
Robert Patrick Springer was sworn in October 16, 2017 by Honorable Judge Doug Bacon as a new Assistant Prosecuting Attorney for Christian County.
Springer, a native of Aurora, Missouri and now of Springfield, is a 2015 graduate of the University of Kansas School of Law. He also holds degrees in Nursing from Southwest Baptist University(2009) and Criminology from Missouri State University(2012).
