JEFFERSON CITY, MISSOURI (July 12, 2018) A Jefferson City man was sentenced to 20 years in the Missouri Department of Corrections following his guilty pleas to domestic assault in the first degree, resisting arrest, attempted disarming of a police officer, and assault in the fourth degree. William E. Bagby, III was set to be tried by a Cole County jury in August 2018.
The case stemmed from a May 17, 2017 domestic assault in Jefferson City wherein Bagby strangled his victim at Runge Nature Trail. The strangulation caused serious physical injury to the victim, including strokes. While being arrested for the domestic assault, Bagby charged at Sgt. Stieferman and attempted to take his duty pistol.
Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Kristin Mengwasser prosecuted the case for the State of Missouri. She points to the strength of the victim and the diligent efforts of law enforcement as the main reasons why Bagby changed his mind in taking the case to trial. The court made a finding that Bagby was a prior and persistent felony offender as well as a persistent assault offender, based on his prior convictions. RACS (Rape and Abuse Crisis Services) advocacy services were also instrumental in working on this case by maintaining contact and providing services to the victim. The victim and her family were pleased with the outcome. Additionally, under the sentencing guidelines, Bagby will have to serve at least 85% of his 20 year sentence before being eligible for parole.
