Dent County jury finds man guilty of statutory rape, sodomy

Missouri Attorney General Josh Hawley announced on Wednesday that a Dent County jury found Nathan Hilliard, 27, guilty of statutory rape and statutory sodomy.

In 2007, Hilliard was accused of having sexual intercourse and forced his 10-year-old cousin to perform oral sex on him while staying with the victim’s family as a guest.

The victim had participated in a videotaped forensic interview by Child Advocacy Center professional Linda McQuary.

Hawley said the jury watched the video and heard from both the victim and McQuary.

“My office continues to make clear that we have no tolerance for those who prey on our most vulnerable citizens,” Hawley said. “I hope the victim and the victim’s family find some justice in this guilty verdict.”

Hilliard’s sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 22. He will face a minimum of ten years in prison with the possibility of a life sentence for the crimes.