Mexico man found guilty of child molestation

MEXICO, Mo. (KMIZ)

A man from Mexico, Missouri, was found guilty of raping two girls under the age of 15.

The Audrain County prosecuting attorney announced that 36-year-old Gregory Saulnier was found guilty by a jury of several charges, including rape, sodomy and child molestation.

The rapes happened between 2020 and 2021 in Mexico. One girl was younger than 15, the other was younger than 12.

Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Jordan Smith said the cases came to light because one of the victims told a trusted coach and church pastor.

“When she felt safe and protected, she told them gradually at first, then told more about what happened when she was heard and believed, eventually disclosing all of the abuse," Smith said. "She thought no one would believe her – but ordinary folks and professionals alike in our community took her seriously, believed her and reported the abuse.”

Saulnier will be sentenced in March. The maximum sentence he can receive is two life sentences plus 150 years.