Cole County Prosecuting Attorney Locke Thompson announced today that Special Judge Heather Miller of the 26th Circuit sentenced Francis Henry Kempker, 53, of Centertown, to two consecutive life sentences with no eligibility of parole for two rapes Kempker committed during the spring of 2016 at Kempker’s shop in Centertown. Kempker was previously found guilty of the rapes following a five-day jury trial in April of this year.

During the sentencing hearing, Kempker continued to take no responsibility for his actions. Judge Miller heard argument from the Cole County Prosecutor’s Office that Kempker was highly dangerous and likely to reoffend if ever granted parole. The survivors of the crimes were also present and asked the judge to run the sentences consecutively. Judge Miller found Kempker to be a predatory sexual offender, which pursuant to state law requires life imprisonment on both counts.

The Cole County Prosecutor’s Office would like to express its thanks to Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey’s office for assisting in the substantial pretrial litigation of the case. The Cole County Prosecutor’s Office would also like to express its appreciation for an extensive investigation conducted by the Cole County Sheriff’s Department; in particular, Detective Meredith Freidman for going above and beyond in her investigative efforts in this case.