On Thursday, June 6, 2013, CHRISTOPHER G. KOCH, d/o/b 3-15-1985, of Taneyville, was sentenced by Taney County Circuit Court Judge Mark Orr to twelve (12) years in prison for endangering the welfare of a child in the first degree, seven (7) years in prison for resisting an arrest, and seven (7) years in prison for escape. The sentences were the result of Koch being found guilty by a Taney County jury on March 25, 2013, following a one-day trial. Koch’s sentences are to run concurrently with one another.

Koch was accused of fleeing from Taney County deputies on January 30, 2012, by driving at speeds exceeding 100 miles-per-hour at times, with a minor in the car. Once apprehended, Koch attempted to escape from the custody of officers, even after he was placed into a deputy’s car in preparation for transport to jail. Evidence presented at trial revealed that Koch was resisting arrest by fleeing from deputies because he had outstanding warrants for his arrest.