Sikeston teen convicted of sodomizing 21-month-old in 2010

NEW MADRID, Mo. -- It took a New Madrid County jury less than an hour to convict a Sikeston teen of sodomizing a 21-month-old child.

Jonathan Ervin, 17, was found guilty of first-degree statutory sodomy following a trial heard in New Madrid on a change of venue. Sentencing for Ervin is set for March 13.

On June 4, 2010, the victim's mother picked up her child who was being watched by Ervin. Ervin told the father of the child that the victim had some injury to his bottom.

The child was taken to the Southeast Hospital and eventually to Cardinal Glennon Hospital in St. Louis. The victim had rectum injuries consisting of tears and bruising.

Sentencing in the case will be handled by Judge Fred Copeland after reviewing Ervin's sentence advisory report and hearing from any proffered witnesses for the prosecution or defense, Scott County Prosecutor Paul Boyd said.

On the same day, officers from the Scott County Sheriff's Department collected evidence and interviewed witnesses and Ervin.

During the trial, which concluded Friday, the jury heard from three adult family members, a sibling of the victim, a therapist, a forensic child interviewer, three doctors from Cardinal Glennon Hospital, a Missouri State Highway Patrol analyst and two Scott County Sheriff deputies.

Assistant Scott County prosecutors Amanda Oesch and Andrew Lawson handled the case, which was heard by Judge Fred Copeland.

"Mr. Ervin was just 16 himself when this criminal act was committed which might call for some mercy. However, the physical and emotional trauma that a sexual assault victim goes through is not lessened by the age of the one that commits the crime. All children and every adult of general sensibilities know what is acceptable sexual behavior," said Scott County Prosecutor Paul Boyd in a news release. "Our prayers go out to the family of both juveniles. The normal ‘closure' a crime victim might have is fleeting when the crime is committed within the family."

Pertinent address:

New Madrid, MO