A Sullivan man has been found guilty in Franklin County on multiple child-sex charges tied to conduct at Meramec State Park, wrapping up a tense two-day bench trial and sending the case straight into the sentencing phase.
According to reporting by The Missourian, Aaron Graddy was convicted on six counts of first-degree statutory sodomy involving a victim younger than 14. Prosecutors presented evidence tying the offenses to the Meramec State Park area north of Sullivan, and the outlet reports that photos show Graddy being led from the Franklin County courthouse after the verdict.
Presiding Circuit Judge Ryan Helfrich wrote that he was “firmly convinced” of Graddy’s guilt and said he did not need additional time to deliberate, according to The Missourian. The bench trial lasted two days and ended with the guilty finding on Thursday.
Where the alleged assault happened
Officials say the acts occurred inside Meramec State Park, the state-run recreation area on the Meramec River near Sullivan. The park’s official page lists its address and amenities and notes that it draws campers, hikers and river users to the site; see the park’s page at Missouri State Parks.
What the law says
Missouri defines statutory sodomy in the first degree as deviate sexual intercourse with a person younger than 14 and classifies the offense as a felony. The statute allows for life imprisonment or a term of years not less than five, and raises the minimum to ten years in aggravated cases or when the victim is under 12, per RSMo 566.062.
Next steps in court
Sentencing will be set by the Franklin County Circuit Court, and the circuit clerk’s office maintains case records and scheduling information. The county’s site has contact details and instructions for requesting public records from the Franklin County Judicial Center.
