Dunklin County man sentenced to 30 years for rape

A Dunklin County man was recently sentenced to 30 years in prison following a 2004 rape case.

On Thursday, Feb. 5, Dewey Hopper, Jr., 43, of Cardwell, Mo., was sentenced to 30 years in the Missouri Department of Corrections following the December 2008 conviction.

Hopper was already serving two prison sentences for escape from custody and tampering with a judicial official, both of which occurred while he was in custody for the rape charge.

Circuit Judge Mark Richardson, of Poplar Bluff, Mo., heard the case and followed the recommendation of the State and the Board of Probation and Parole in sentencing Hopper to 30 years.

Dunklin County Prosecuting Attorney Steve Sokoloff, who prosecuted the case, said, "This is a just disposition of this heinous offense. The victim in this case was a 16-year-old developmentally disabled young woman who has lived in fear ever since the offense, and I am happy to provide her some certainty and comfort with this sentence."

Because forcible rape is considered a "dangerous offense" under Missouri law, Hopper will be required to serve at least 25 and a half years before he is eligible for parole.