Neosho man convicted of child sex crimes, recommends 35-year prison sentence

A man from Neosho was found guilty of child sex crimes by a jury in McDonald County after a two-day trial.

37-year-old Christopher Creviston was found guilty of one count of Statutory Sodomy in the First Degree and Child Molestation in the Third Degree.

The jury found the Creviston not guilty on four other counts of related child sex offenses. The jury subsequently recommended sentences of 25 years and 10 years respectively on each count in the Missouri Department of Corrections.

Prosecutors say there were two victim’s of Creviston’s crimes, a 12-year-old girl and a 13-year-old girl. Sentencing is set for June 7, 2023.

“We are satisfied to find justice for the victims in this case,” said Newton County Prosecuting Attorney William Lynch. “I’m incredibly proud of team and these victims and their families for the countless hours of work and preparation they put forward in securing this conviction. These cases present a number of hurdles, including an antiquated law requiring us to try so many cases in a separate county. This case was filed the week that I assumed office, so justice has been a long time coming.”

“It is clear the jurors carefully weighed the evidence in this case and came to the conclusion that the defendant was guilty. We’re thankful to the jury and their service this week,” said Assistant Prosecutor Mitchell Cross who first-chaired the trial. Assistant Prosecutor JD Hatcher commended the courage of the juvenile victims in coming forward and following through with  their testimony to keep our community safe.

This case was investigated by Detective Rodney Howe of the Neosho Police Department and  prosecuted by Mitchell Cross, JD Hatcher, and William Lynch.