A Platte County jury returned a guilty verdict against a Riverside, Missouri man accused of sexually abusing a three-year-old girl

Douglas E. Pennington, 55, was found guilty October 16 of statutory sodomy and attempt to commit child molestation following a two-day jury trial in Platte County.

Prosecutors proved at trial that Pennington inappropriately touched the victim while her mother was sleeping and he was babysitting her in the victim’s home.

When the victim’s mother woke, Pennington left in a hurry.

The victim reported to law enforcement and in an interview with Synergy Services that Pennington touched her “private areas.” The victim also disclosed Pennington tried to make her touch his genitals, but she pulled her hand away and said “no.”

During jury selection, the prosecutor asked if anyone had lived through an experience similar to child victim. Several prospective jurors said that they did not think they could be fair on this type of case because of what they had been through.

“It is always shocking to learn how many people have suffered abuse of this nature. Even decades later, they remain affected by what happened to them while they were little,” Platte County Prosecuting Attorney Eric Zahnd said.

Prior to trial, the court threw out video of the defendant’s statement to investigators. In a rare move, prosecutors appealed that ruling, and the trial court’s decision was ultimately overturned by a Missouri appellate court.

Pennington remains in custody and is scheduled to be sentenced on December 5. He faces up to life in prison for his crimes.