A Pottawatomie County jury has convicted a man of committing 10 sex related felony counts.
Dustin Scott Stutzman, Shawnee, was convicted on three charges of first degree rape, three for first degree rape by instrumentation, two for forcible oral sodomy and two for Lewd Acts with a child under 16.
The jury has recommended three life sentences on the first degree rape charges, 45 years on each of the first degree rape by instrumentation, 15-year prison terms on each of the forcible oral sodomy counts and 12 years in prison on one of the lewd acts with a child under 16 and 15 years in prison on the other.
District Judge John Canavan, who presided over the trial, has scheduled formal sentencing for Stutzman on May 10.
District Attorney Adam Panter and Assistant DA Lori McConnell prosecuted the case. Defense attorney was Shelley Levisay with OIDS.
Panter said the case resulted from an investigation conducted by the Shawnee Police Department, specifically Detective Beau Bohuslavicky. The case arose due to the Defendant’s repeated sexual abuse of a child under the age of 14, the DA explained.
“I was impressed by the courage and strength of the child during her testimony, and thankful for the work of the Shawnee Police Department in their efforts to protect our community,” he noted.
Panter pointed out, “This was our first official Pottawatomie County jury term since my appointment. I feel it was very successful, and hopefully a sign that we are making progress towards fixing the DA’s office and restoring the community’s faith in the justice system.
“My office is pleased that justice has been served and that a child predator will be off of our streets for the remainder of his life. My hope is that this case serves as a warning to others of what the consequences are for preying on our children and a sign of what is to come for others facing similar charges.”
A jury also convicted Charles Leblanc, Shawnee, of first degree burglary and obstructing an officer. They found him not guilty of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon.
They recommended 20 years in prison on the burglary charge and three months in the county jail on the obstructing an officer conviction.
Judge Canavan presided over the trial and sentenced Leblanc at the conclusion of the trial.
Panter said the case was prosecuted by ADA Ryan Stephenson and First Assistant DA Adam Kallsnick. Defense attorney was Shelley Levisay with OIDS. The case was presented by the Shawnee Police Department and was a result of the defendant, who was armed with multiple weapons, kicking open and entering the home of the victim. He was arrested after Shawnee officers had to chase him from the scene on foot.
“We are very pleased with the jury’s verdict of guilty for the burglary, as my office takes residential burglaries very seriously, especially in cases where the victim is present in their home at the time of the burglary. The Defendant has a lengthy criminal history, with multiple convictions for violent felonies, including domestic violence offenses and firearm offenses. He will not be eligible for release from DOC custody for at least 17 years, so our community is now safer without him in it.”
A third jury convicted Cliffton Davila, Tecumseh, of possession of Precursor Substance with Intent to Manufacture Control Dangerous Substance ad recommended 10 years in prison.
Court records show Judge Canavan has scheduled Davila’s formal sentencing for May 10.
The case was prosecuted by ADA’s Stephenson and Lori McConnell. Defense attorney was Shelley Levisay with OIDS. The case was presented by the Tecumseh Police Department.
The defendant was convicted by the jury after hearing testimony from Tecumseh officers who found the defendant with equipment and substances used to manufacture methamphetamine.