Missouri Court of Appeals, Southern District / Apr 22, 2024
STATE OF MISSOURI, Respondent vs. STEVEN EUGENE HARDCASTLE, Appellant
Steven Hardcastle was found guilty of statutory sodomy and two counts of sexual abuse in the first degree. He appealed his sexual abuse convictions, arguing that the evidence was insufficient to prove forcible compulsion. The appellate court affirmed the judgment, finding that the victim's testimony, coupled with the age disparity, location, and Hardcastle's position of authority, provided sufficient evidence for a reasonable juror to conclude that forcible compulsion was used.