May 2nd, 2025 Local News
St. Francois Co., Mo. (KFMO) - A St. Francois County judge sentenced a Farmington man to life in prison Wednesday for the sexual assault of a 7-year-old girl.
Circuit Judge Wendy Horn handed down the maximum sentence to 57-year-old Lawrence Kloeppel, following his conviction for Statutory Sodomy in the First Degree. A jury had found Kloeppel guilty after a two-day trial concluded on February 11, 2025.
According to a sentencing report prepared by the Missouri Board of Probation and Parole, Kloeppel denied any responsibility for the 2020 attack and made excuses for two previous convictions for sexual assault in 1989 and 2017. In Wednesday's hearing, his only argument was that “sometimes juries just reach the wrong verdict.”
In a powerful moment before sentencing, the now 12-year-old victim, accompanied by First Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Marlo Lamb, addressed the court. Standing before Judge Horn and facing her abuser once again, she told the court in a soft but steady voice that Kloeppel had caused lasting physical and emotional harm. She declared her determination to stay strong and hold her head high, knowing he would never hurt her again.
Judge Horn, after considering statements from both sides and the recommendation of the prosecution, delivered the life sentence without hesitation.
