KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- A man convicted of first-degree statutory sodomy was sentenced today, Missouri Attorney General (AG) Catherine Hanaway says.

According to the AG, Joel Smith was sentenced to 25 years in the Missouri Department of Corrections following his conviction back in September. Smith was convicted for the sexual abuse of a child who was 5 years old at the time of the crime.

“This sentence sends a clear message that Missouri will not tolerate those who prey on our children,” said AG Hanaway.

“Thanks to the courage of this young victim and the tireless work of our Public Protection Section, a dangerous predator will spend decades behind bars. Our Office will always stand with victims and fight to make Missouri a safer place for every child.”

The judge in the case heard statemen

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