Jury Convicts Eudora Man of Sex Crimes Against a Child

Douglas County District Attorney Charles Branson announces that today a Douglas County jury convicted Eudora resident Darren Curtis Howe, 47, of criminal sodomy and indecent liberties with a child. 

The case was originally filed in Douglas County District Court on December 24, 2013.  The defense requested many continuances that ultimately delayed the jury trial.  Investigation into the case began on October 17, 2013 when an officer with the Eudora Police Department was contacted by the parents of a 14-year-old girl who had been victimized by a relative. 

Howe had been at the victim’s home earlier in the day with another relative.  He left with that relative, but returned alone shortly thereafter.  When he was alone with the victim, he sexually assaulted her.  The victim disclosed what had happened to her to a close friend and a young relative almost immediately after the assault.  She waited a few weeks to tell her parents what had happened to her and it was then that law enforcement was contacted.

Howe faces a sentence of 55 to 247 months in prison for the criminal sodomy conviction and 31 to 136 months in prison for the indecent liberties with a child conviction.  His actual sentence will depend on his prior criminal history.  The Court revoked Howe’s bond and scheduled his sentencing for October 14 at 9:00 a.m.

Officers with the Eudora Police Department investigated the case and Assistant District Attorney Mark Simpson prosecuted it.  The trial was held in the courtroom of the Honorable Barbara Kay Huff.  Jury selection began on Tuesday, August 23.  Attorneys gave opening arguments on Wednesday morning and testimony continued through Thursday morning.  Attorneys delivered closing arguments Thursday afternoon and the case went to the jury at approximately 4:05 p.m.  The jury deliberated Thursday until 5:15 p.m. The jury returned today at 9:00 a.m. to resume deliberations and returned its verdict at about 4:30 p.m.      

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