August 19th, 2026 Local News
Washington Co., Mo. (KFMO) - A Washington County jury has convicted Anthony Michael White, Sr., of Potosi, on two felony sex crime charges involving a child under the age of twelve.
The verdict was returned following a jury trial held June 16, 2026, in Washington County Circuit Court. White was found guilty of statutory sodomy in the first degree and incest in a case that originated from allegations dating back to 2017.
Washington County Prosecuting Attorney John I. Jones IV presented testimony from three state witnesses during the trial, including the victim, Detective Beverly Gillam, and Children's Division Investigation Supervisor Bonnie Campbell.
Jurors were also shown body camera footage in which White was informed he was a suspect in a hotline report. According to prosecutors, before being told any details about the allegations, White immediately identified the victim involved and acknowledged that the report concerned allegations of sexual acts involving that victim.
Following closing arguments, the jury deliberated for 34 minutes before returning guilty verdicts on both charges.
White is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Brice Sechrest on September 14, 2026. If given the maximum sentence, he faces the possibility of life imprisonment plus an additional four years.
Prosecuting Attorney Jones praised the victim's courage following the verdict.
In a statement, Jones said he was grateful the jury listened to the victim's testimony and saw through defense challenges during the trial. He noted the victim endured multiple proceedings under oath while recounting traumatic experiences and credited the victim's determination, along with the work of investigators, for helping bring the case to trial.
Jones also emphasized his office's commitment to pursuing child sex abuse cases and supporting victims throughout the legal process.
Sentencing is scheduled for September 14 in Washington County Circuit Court.