Vandalia man sentenced to 7 years in prison for child molestation

Audrain County Prosecuting Attorney Jacob Shellabarger announced today that Curtis J. Lasley, 34, of Vandalia, Mo., pled guilty to the felonies of enticement of a child, child molestation in the first degree, and the misdemeanor of sexual misconduct. He received a total sentence of seven years in the Missouri Department of Corrections. Circuit Judge Wesley Dalton sentenced Lasley on Jan. 23 at the Audrain County Courthouse in Mexico. Lasley encouraged a 13-year-old female acquaintance to engage in sexual activity with him, and touched her body. The incident happened during the summer of 2016. “I was having nightmares and couldn’t sleep, and I have lost so many friends but have gained them too. I have so much support in this room it shows me that I have people with me who care, said the victim at today’s sentencing. Without [their] help I wouldn’t have been able to do this… BACA (Bikers Against Child Abuse) isn’t just a group of bikers who came into my life, they made me feel protected and loved.. they aren’t just bikers to me, they are family. Thanks to you guys, I don’t have to be afraid anymore.” “Although Mr. Lasley took responsibility for his actions through today’s plea, serving seven years in prison for these crimes, the victim, family and community continue to live with the aftereffects of his actions,” Shellabarger said. “The family spoke today about the harmful effect Mr. Lasley’s predatory actions in gaining her trust, then touching and harassing her had on this family and our community.” “When this brave young woman came forward, it took extraordinary bravery and courage to overcome Lasley’s circle of influence, his family and friends.” Shellabarger said. “Too often, sexual abuse is a crime that makes its victims, innocent children, feel as if they’ve done something wrong. That’s just not true – children are not responsible for their own abuse – only adults are. In this case, our victim can grow & heal, knowing that she told the truth, was taken seriously, is loved & supported, and is now safe from him.”