Jury finds Sikeston man guilty of statutory rape, sodomy

BENTON, Mo. -- It took a jury about 20 minutes Friday to find a Sikeston, Mo., man guilty on sexual assault charges following a two-day trial conducted before Associate Circuit Court Judge Scott Horman at the Scott County Courthouse in Benton.

Jimmy Decker of Sikeston was found guilty of one count of statutory rape in the first degree and three counts of statutory sodomy in the first degree.

Decker was originally indicted by a grand jury on Nov. 16, 2005.

The jury also viewed the forensic interview of the victim conducted in ctober 2005 taken at the SEMO-NASV.

The state's case was presented by Scott County Prosecuting Attorney Paul R. Boyd and assistant prosecutor Amanda Oesch.

Decker did not testify during the trial.

The defense presented the testimony of a licensed psychologist from Illinois and three other individuals.

The statutory rape and sodomy charges require that a guilty defendant serve not less than 10 years nor more than 30 years or a life sentence. A life sentence is considered 30 years under Missouri law.

Sentencing has been set for July 10.

Decker has two prior convictions for felony burglary and stealing.

"The state will request the court consider consecutive sentences in this case based on his criminal history and the sexual abuse this child suffered at the hands of Decker," Boyd said.