A Platte City man was sentenced to 28 years in prison on June 14 for child abuse and possession of child pornography. James Marquis, 44, had been found guilty following a week-long jury trial in April...
[Judge] Shafer, who rarely addresses defendants personally prior to sentencing, said Marquis’ acts were ”depraved” and “perverted.” Shafer added that, in his nearly 44 years as a lawyer and judge, he had seen a some good people, some bad people, and some evil people.
Shafer then addressed Marquis, saying, “You are an evil person, sir.” He said the words of Marquis’ victims “still ring in my ears"...
Prosecutors presented testimony at trial from another young girl who was sexually abused by Marquis.
While testifying, that girl asked to get back certificates she had earned during school which had been in Marquis’ possession. She said they were the only good things to remember from a terrible time in her life.
Caskey agreed to return the certificates to the victim in open court, but refused to do so following the sentencing hearing because he claimed the victim had lied on the stand. Zahnd said his office intended to use every legal means possible to ensure the girl obtained the certificates.
