Mexico man sentenced to life for sexual contact with child

Jimmy Dale Burns, 44, of Mexico, was sentenced to life in prison plus seven years in Audrain County court Friday.

Burns was found guilty in January on charges of attempted statutory sodomy and resisting arrest. Burns was convicted of having sexual contact with an 8-year-old girl last summer. He then threatened and fought officers who came to speak to him about the crime.

Audrain County Prosecuting Attorney Jacob Shellabarger released the following statement Sunday:

“This abuser was held accountable because as a community, parents are listening and supporting their children. When a girl felt uncomfortable with something an adult did to her, she told her parents, who did the right thing – they listened, believed her, trusted their gut, and took serious actions to support and protect her. These parents are heroes for their children, and our community stood with them against this abuser.”