Taney County Prosecuting Attorney, Jeffrey M. Merrell announced today that JOSEPH OLIVER, dob: 8/3/1963 of Rockaway Beach, Missouri was found guilty last Thursday of the class C felony of assault in the second degree as a prior and persistent felony offender. On May 23, 2008 a bench trial was held in front of Taney County Circuit Judge Mark Orr. The case was taken under advisement by the Court at the bench trial, and the Court announced the guilty verdict at law day on June 5. After the verdict, JOSEPH OLIVER was taken into custody to await sentencing and his $25,000 cash bond was revoked.
On August 27, 2006 at the commuter parking lot on Highway 160 and US 65, JOSEPH OLIVER attacked a fifty-five year old male. JOSEPH OLIVER punched him in the face, threw him to the ground and then proceeded to kick and stomp on him. From the attack, the fifty-five year old male suffered broken ribs, a dislocated kidney and various cuts and bruising. He was transported to Skaggs Hospital for treatment for his injuries.
Formal sentencing is set for August 7th, 2008 at 10:30.The class C felony of assault in the second degree has the range of punishment of one (1) day to one (1) year in the Taney County Jail, or one (1) year to seven (7) years in the Missouri Department of Corrections and/or a fine not to exceed $5,000. However, because JOSEPH OLIVER was found to be a prior and persistent felony offender he faces an enhanced range of punishment of up to fifteen (15) years in the Missouri Department of Corrections.