2 weeks Ago By Dent County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, Salem Police Department, Dent County Sheriff’s Office
Brad Nash was charged with child molestation in the second degree and statutory sodomy in the 1st degree Dec. 29, 2023, based on a probable cause statement submitted by Detective Luc Burns of the Salem Police Department. As a result of the charge a warrant for the arrest of the defendant was issued.
Nash was arrested, held in the Dent County Jail for 67 days and released on bond, over the objection of Dent County Prosecutor Andrew M. Curley and assistant prosecutor James Weber, who opposed pre-trial release. On April 8, a preliminary hearing was scheduled in front of Crawford County Associate Judge Patrick Horsefield, who was assigned to hear the preliminary hearing following a recusal from Dent County Associate Judge Nathan Kelsaw.
Nash waived his preliminary hearing and the case was bound over to the Circuit Court for further proceedings in front of Circuit Judge Michael Randazzo. On August 28, Nash pled guilty to two counts of Child Molestation in the Second Degree, which is a Class B felony carrying a range of punishment of not less than 5 years and not to exceed 15 years in the Missouri Department of Corrections. Under oath and on the record, the defendant admitted in court that, for the purpose of arousing or gratifying the sexual desire of the defendant, or another person, he subjected victim 1 and victim 2, who were then less than 17 years of age and the adopted children of defendant, to sexual contact.
“Sexual Contact” is defined by statute to include any touching of another person with the genitals or any touching of the genitals or anus of another person, or the breast of a female person, or such touching through the clothing, for the purpose of arousing or gratifying the sexual desire of any person or for the purpose of terrorizing the victim. A sentencing assessment report was requested by the defendant and a sentencing hearing was scheduled for Oct. 29.
At the sentencing hearing, Judge Randazzo heard testimony from the victims and witnesses for the defendant. At the conclusion of the sentencing hearing Prosecutor Curley recommended a 15-year sentence in the Missouri Department of Corrections. The defendant requested probation or a sentence pursuant to 559.
115 (commonly referred to as a 120). At the conclusion of the hearing, Judge Randazzo sentenced the defendant to 15 years in the Department of Corrections. “I am proud of the effort and attention to detail that occurred during this investigation,” said Curley.
“Salem PD, Missouri Children’s Division, Kid’s Harbor and my office engaged in a thorough investigation that utilized all tools and resources available to local law enforcement. Every charging decision we make is based solely on the available evidence. We do not prosecute people based on who they are, we prosecute them for what we can prove they have done.
“Criminal prosecutions are stressful on everyone involved, especially children. There are no ‘winners’ at the conclusion of this type of case. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and every person that has been negatively affected by this crime.
The men and women that advocate for children and investigate child abuse deserve our appreciation and support. It has and will always be an honor to serve and protect our community.” See accompanying probable cause statement submitted by Detective Luc Burns of the Salem Police Department.
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