Man sentenced to 30 years for exploiting minor with intellectual disability

CAPE GIRARDEAU – U.S. District Judge Sarah E. Pitlyk sentenced Jason R. Hicks-Simpson, 46, of Poplar Bluff, to 30 years in prison on Friday for the sexual exploitation of a minor. Hicks-Simpson had pleaded guilty in October to the charge in U.S. District Court. The case involved the recording of the rape of a minor with an intellectual disability.

Long history of abuse uncovered

The victim, now 17, revealed to investigators that Hicks-Simpson had been sexually abusing her since she was five years old. The abuse came to light in March 2024 when the victim's mother contacted the Poplar Bluff Police Department. Hicks-Simpson had threatened to kill the victim and her kittens to ensure her silence, according to the plea agreement. Despite his claims that the abuse occurred only once, investigators found videos on his phone dating back to May 2023.

Further legal proceedings anticipated

Following his federal sentencing, Hicks-Simpson will be transferred to state court to face additional charges. The Poplar Bluff Police Department and the FBI conducted the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie Hunter prosecuted the case.