Ex-sheriff’s Lieutenant Gets Life Terms For Child Sex Abuse

A former southwest Missouri sheriff's lieutenant has been sentenced to six consecutive life terms for sexually abusing an 8-year-old girl.

Judge David Jones said during sentencing Friday that he hopes 68-year-old David Hastings never leaves prison.

The Springfield News-Leader reports that jurors found Hastings guilty in October of 11 felonies, including statutory rape, statutory sodomy and child molestation.

Assistant Greene County Prosecutor Stephanie Wan says Hastings groomed the victim before repeatedly sexually abusing her. Hastings' attorney says he plans to appeal.