In a recent court case that shook the city of Fort Dodge, Iowa, a former Christian missionary named Jordan Dee Andrew Webb, aged 31, has been found guilty of sexually abusing a child under the age of 12. This horrifying incident resulted in the child contracting gonorrhea from the abuse.
Webb, a former Baptist evangelist, was sentenced by District Court Judge Christopher Polking to 25 years in prison for the sexual abuse charge, five years for the incest charge, and two years for the child endangerment charge. The judge ordered that the sentences be served concurrently, meaning they will be served simultaneously.
Assistant Webster County Attorney Bailey Taylor expressed satisfaction with the outcome, thanking law enforcement, medical professionals, and the Webster County community for their support in ensuring justice for the victim.
The victim, known only as "Jane Doe," remains unnamed to protect her identity.
Webb's arrest came after health concerns were raised in April 2022 when both Webb and the victim tested positive for gonorrhea. As a result, the child was immediately removed from the custody of her guardian.
A subsequent investigation led authorities to execute a search warrant at an address on 225th Street in Webster County, which was connected to the Harvest Baptist Church and used for its Harvest Baptist Bible College. Webb had been sent as a missionary by the church to St. Lucia as part of a project called "Christ in the Caribbean."
During the trial, evidence emerged that Webb had been diagnosed with gonorrhea shortly before the child received the same diagnosis. Expert testimony from a specialist in child abuse pediatrics supported the prosecution's case, countering the defense's claims that the gonorrhea transmission could have occurred in a non-sexual manner.
Webb's defense attorney argued for a new trial, challenging the circumstantial nature of the evidence and its weight.
However, the motion was denied, and the court proceeded to sentencing.
The state, seeking consecutive sentences, expressed disappointment that Webb continued to deny the charges vehemently.
Webb maintained his innocence before the court and plans to appeal the sentence.
Source - LAW AND CRIME
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