Woman guilty of four felonies

CHARLESTON -- A Charleston woman was found guilty of four felony charges related to child molestation.

On Friday, after three days of testimony, the Mississippi County jury found Jewel "Dee" Bewley, 43, guilty of the felony offense of child molestation in the first degree (recommended seven years to serve in prison), two counts of the felony offense of endangering the welfare of a child (recommended five years to serve in prison on each count) and the felony offense of statutory sodomy in the first degree (recommended 30 years to serve in prison). In total the jury recommended Bewley serve 47 years in prison, the maximum allowable for the offenses.

The charges originated back in 1997 through 1999 when Bewley and her husband, Tom, 52, were babysitting two children in their home outside of East Prairie. Allegations were raised concerning possible sexual abuse of these two children.

After a lengthy investigation and a search of the Bewley residence, charges were filed by the Mississippi County Prosecuting Attorney's Office against both Tom and Jewel Bewley.

At trial it was revealed that both Tom and Jewel Bewley were engaging in various sexual acts with both the minors together in their home. The children testified via videotape at trial and recounted the various sexual acts that they were forced to perform by the Bewleys.

In addition, testimony was received from Deputy Roy Moore who led this investigation and searched the Bewley residence. Additional testimony was received from the various counselors who questioned the children during the investigation.

The defendant, Jewel Bewley, did not testify.

Judge T. Lynn Brown presided over the trial and set the date of Bewley's sentencing for Dec. 18. He ordered that a pre-sentence investigation be completed by the Missouri Board of Probation and Parole.

On Feb. 2, 2001, Tom Bewley was convicted of similar charges involving the same children and sentenced to serve three consecutive life sentences.

Both children are now living in western Missouri in foster care and receiving extensive psychological counseling.