Armstrong, Jr. sentenced after jury trial

Franklin Armstrong Jr., formerly of Mountain Grove, was convicted of child molestation in the first degree, statutory sodomy and rape in the first degree and other sex crimes after a jury trial. The trial lasted three days from April 8-10. The jurors were Wright County citizens. 
He was sentenced by Judge Craig Carter on June 18. The Defendant’s sentences are 15 years for the molestation charge consecutive to four years sexual misconduct of a child, consecutive to 15 years statutory sodomy in the first degree, consecutive to 15 years statutory rape in the first degree and consecutive to seven years child endangerment in the first degree. The probation was denied. The consecutive ruling by Judge Carter results in a 56-year sentence subject to mandatory sentences according to statute in prison.
“I want to thank the jurors, my paralegals and Ms. Womble for the outcome in this case,” said Wright County Prosecuting Attorney John Tyrrell in his report. “Judge Carter heard argument from Womble, victim impact statements, and defense witnesses prior to making his ruling...I am very happy with the result. It brought closure for the victim and her family.”