After-school caretaker convicted of child molestation, faces life sentence

Missouri Attorney General Josh Hawley announced on Wednesday that a Lafayette County jury found Arthur Sanders, 80, guilty of 11 counts of child molestation and sodomy for sexually abusing two female relatives.

Hawley said the abuse began when each girl was around 12-years-old.

Sanders was accused of using his position as their after-school caretaker to molest and sodomize the girls, including putting money into one child’s underwear and bra and having the children touch him.

At the trial, a victim testified that she was abused but encouraged by family to stay quiet.

Sanders was finally detected when a victim disclosed it to a school counselor.

​”Abuse of this nature has no place in Missouri,” Hawley said. “My office will continue to protect these vulnerable citizens–and fight to put perpetrators behind bars.”

Sanders faces a possible life sentence and is not eligible for bail or bond.

He is scheduled to be sentenced on April 2.