A Jonesburg man is facing a slate of child sex charges after prosecutors filed detailed probable‑cause reports alleging assaults on young children. Dante Lawrence has been charged with three counts of statutory sodomy and three counts of second‑degree child molestation involving a child reported to be younger than 12, and a warrant has been issued with no bond set. The filings outline conduct that allegedly occurred when the victims were about 9 or 10 years old, including at least one incident in 2019.
According to ABC 17 News, Montgomery County prosecutors submitted two separate probable‑cause statements and asked a judge to issue a warrant for Lawrence. One filing reportedly describes four different assaults when a child was about 9 to 10 years old and Lawrence was roughly 20 to 21. The second statement outlines another alleged assault in 2019 involving a victim of similar age, the outlet reports.
Penalties Under Missouri Law
Missouri law classifies sexual offenses against very young children as serious felonies. Under the Revised Statutes of Missouri, Revisor of Missouri section 566.062 provides that first‑degree statutory sodomy can be punished by a term of years up to life in prison, with heightened minimum sentences when the victim is under 12. Second‑degree child molestation, which covers sexual contact with a child under 12, is a Class B felony under Revisor of Missouri section 566.068, and convictions can result in lengthy prison terms and fines.
What Investigators Allege
The probable‑cause paperwork described by ABC 17 News indicates that one statement focuses on a series of four alleged assaults involving a single child when that child was about 9 or 10 and Lawrence was about 20 or 21. A second filing reportedly ties a separate assault to 2019 and involves a victim of roughly the same age. The news report notes that identifying information about the minors is not included; records in cases involving children are often redacted or sealed as they move through the courts.
Where To Report And What’s Next
If you have information related to this case or need to report suspected child sexual abuse, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children operates a CyberTipline and a 24/7 hotline at 1‑800‑THE‑LOST (1‑800‑843‑5678). Missouri's Children's Division also runs a statewide child‑abuse hotline at 1‑800‑392‑3738 and accepts online reports through the Department of Social Services. Call local law enforcement or 911 immediately if a child appears to be in imminent danger.
Prosecutors are expected to bring the case forward in Montgomery County court. Public records currently list the warrant and note that no bond was set, but do not yet show an arraignment date. Court filings and local records will likely provide more detail as the case proceeds.
