Jasper County jury convicts man of statutory rape, statutory sodomy

A Jasper County jury convicted Kody Clark-Mitchell, 34, of one count of Statutory Rape in the First Degree, and three counts of Statutory Sodomy in the First Degree after a two-day jury trial before Presiding Judge Dean Dankelson.

The case began on Monday, November 9, 2026, in the Jasper County Circuit Court, Joplin.

The State presented evidence that the defendant had raped and sodomized his nine-year-old stepdaughter in the Spring of 2023.

The jury of six men and six women heard testimony from the child, her mother, a forensic interviewer and a nurse from the Children's Center, and Jasper County Deputy Jamison Cady who investigated the case and interviewed the defendant.

There was also very brief testimony from a woman who had been sexually assaulted by the defendant many years ago when she was nine years old, and the defendant was a juvenile.

The defense called two forensic scientists from the Missouri State Highway Patrol Lab who testified that they did not find the defendant's DNA on any of the evidence submitted to the lab by law enforcement. The defendant did not testify at trial.

During closing arguments, the State argued that despite the lack of physical or scientific evidence, the young victim had no motive to lie and that her detailed description of the assaults was proof beyond reasonable doubt.

The defense argued that the child's testimony was not credible, and the lack of physical or scientific evidence was not sufficient to convict the defendant.

The case was submitted to the jury at approximately 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 10, 2026. The jury returned at 8:10 p.m. with a unanimous verdict convicting the defendant on all four counts. Court adjourned for the evening, and the jury returned Wednesday morning for sentencing.

After brief arguments from both the State and the defense, the jury deliberated another two hours before returning its verdict: 18 years on each count. The defendant will return to court for sentencing on January 25, 2026.

The case was tried by Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, Kurtis Droppa and Jasper County Prosecutor, Theresa Kenney, both of whom express their gratitude to the jury for their time and careful consideration of the facts and evidence presented.

"These cases are difficult for everyone involved, but especially for the young girl who first found the courage to tell her mom, and then remained steadfast throughout the lengthy process of the criminal justice system. We are grateful for her courage and cooperation," said Jasper County Prosecutor, Theresa Kenney.