Jury convicts Neosho man of tampering with domestic violence victim

A Neosho man was found guilty by a McDonald County jury after a one-day trial on a sole count of Tampering with a Victim. Sentencing will be set in April. Read the full press release below:

John Martin Hamilton, Jr., 46, was found guilty after just thirty-five minutes of deliberation before the jury rendered their verdict to Judge Gregory Stremel of the 40th Judicial Circuit on Wednesday, February 16, 2022.

On June 18, 2021, Hamilton was in custody in the Newton County Jail for a felony charge of Domestic Assault. While in custody, the defendant called the domestic violence victim from the Jail phone and offered her $500 in exchange for charges being dropped.

“This wasn’t just an offense involving domestic violence, which is reprehensible, this was also an  offense against the administration of justice,” said Newton County Prosecuting Attorney William  Lynch. “I’m incredibly proud of Ms. Crites, our Assistant Prosectuor, for the time she has dedicated to seeking justice in this case. I believe this conviction is even more impactful given that the statute John Hamilton violated is one of just a handful that has truth in sentencing”

The conviction for Tampering with a Victim, under 575.270, RSMo., is one of the very few criminal charges that does not allow parole. Whatever sentence the judge deems appropriate will reflect the true amount of time the defendant spends in the Department of Corrections.

“This case illustrated one of the many reasons why domestic violence cases are so challenging for  prosecutors. I am thankful the jury agreed John Hamilton’s actions were wrong, and I hope this verdict gives some comfort to this victim,” said Assistant Prosecutor Sarah Crites who first chaired the trial.

This case was investigated by the Newton County Sheriff’s Office in conjunction with the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office and prosecuted by Sarah Crites and William Lynch.