East Prairie man sentenced to prison on rape, sodomy charges

CHARLESTON, Mo. — An East Prairie, Missouri, man was sentenced to life in prison on rape and sodomy charges in Mississippi County.

James Leon Guthrie of East Prairie was sentenced Oct. 2 by Judge R. Zac Horack of the 33rd Judicial Circuit, according to Mississippi County Prosecuting Attorney Claire E. Poley. Horack sentenced Guthrie to four life sentences, with two sentences running concurrently and two running consecutively, plus an additional four years, for a total of 64 years in the Missouri Department of Corrections.

Guthrie was found guilty by a jury on Aug. 15 on five felony charges, including three counts of statutory rape, one count of sodomy and one count of child molestation. The guilty verdict following a two-day jury trial that began Aug. 14.

The trial, which was heard before a jury of Guthrie’s peers, involved testimonies and evidence that revealed a disturbing pattern of abuse, according to Poley. Guthrie’s attorney filed an appeal on Thursday, Oct. 10.

In a separate case, Ashley Beyerbach of East Prairie was also sentenced on Oct. 2 to charges of first-degree assault and first-degree burglary. Beyerbach, who pleaded guilty on Aug. 12, was sentenced by Horack to 15 years and nine years, to be served consecutively, for a total of 24 years in the Missouri Department of Corrections.

“These sentences reflect the gravity of the offenses committed and serve to protect our community from further harm,” Poley said. “Justice has been served, and the victims can take some comfort in knowing that these individuals will be held accountable for their actions.”

Poley expressed her gratitude to the victims.

"I commend the victims for their courage in sharing their stories and enduring the legal process,” Poley said. “Their strength and resilience were essential in achieving these outcomes."

She also thanked the law enforcement agencies involved in the investigation and prosecution of these cases. "I want to extend my sincere appreciation to all the law enforcement agencies that worked tirelessly on these cases, ensuring a thorough investigation and gathering the evidence necessary for prosecution,” Poley said. “Their dedication was critical in bringing these offenders to justice."

Additionally, Poley expressed her gratitude to the court personnel and Horack for their professionalism and diligence throughout the proceedings.

"The efforts of the court staff and Judge Horack were invaluable in ensuring that these trials and sentencings were conducted fairly and efficiently,” Poley said. “We are grateful for their commitment to upholding the rule of law in our community."