A man who sexually abused a girl while living in Weston was sentenced to 75 years in prison on November 20. Nathan Clark Hershley, of Savannah, had earlier pleaded guilty in July to repeatedly abusing the victim while she was between the ages of six and 15. 

Platte County Prosecuting Attorney Eric Zahnd said, "Although nothing will erase the years of abuse this victim suffered at the hands of this defendant, this sentence will ensure he will not be able to abuse another child. The victim and her mother are to be commended for their bravery in reporting this abuse to authorities, which ultimately led to this sentence." 

On September 2, 2018, the victim's mother reported to the Andrew County Sheriff's Office that her daughter had disclosed sexual abuse at the hands of Hershley for many years. 

Prior to making the report, the victim's mother discovered letters in her daughter's room from Hershley suggesting a sexual relationship between the two. When she asked her daughter about the letters, the victim disclosed Hershley began to abuse her at the age of six when he kissed her on the mouth and told her not to tell anyone, saying this will be our little secret." The victim told her mother that the abuse escalated to include far worse sexual acts.

Zahnd commended the collaboration between the Andrew County Sheriff's Office and the Platte City Sheriff's Office to investigate the case. This case is an example of excellent collaboration between jurisdictions, with two Sheriff's Offices working together to bring a prolific sexual predator to justice.

Hershley& entered an Alford guilty plea, in which refused to admit guilt but conceded there was sufficient evidence to convict him at trial.

Judge Thomas C. Fincham sentenced Hershley to 75 years in prison on three counts of statutory sodomy, 75 years on one count of statutory rape, and four years in prison on another count, all of which will run concurrently with one another. 

The case was prosecuted by Assistant Prosecuting Attorneys Blake Sherer and Amanda Hanson.