Judge sentences ex-Camdenton Schools janitor to 20 years in prison

LEBANON, Mo. (KY3) - A judge sentenced an ex-Camdenton School District janitor to 20 years in prison for exposing himself to children.

Camden County Prosecuting Attorney Caleb Cunningham said he is happy with the sentence.

“He’s going to spend the next 20 years of his life and the Department of Corrections for what he’s done to these children, their families, and this community,” said Cunningham.

During the sentencing hearing, Stacy Patterson, the public defender for Devore, asked for the sentence to be 2-4 years total with credit for time served. Cunningham said each victim deserved to have Devore spend time in jail for each count.

“Each of these children is entitled to a separate sentence (for Devore). It’s just as each of those children walked in this courtroom and bravely told us what happened to them as each of these children confronted this man for what he did to them,” said Cunningham.

Jurors found Jesse Devore guilty of six counts of sexual misconduct in April. Attorneys for Devore plan to appeal the guilty conviction.

In 2019, police say a student caught Devore performing a lewd act alone in an elementary bathroom. Another incident happened at the Walmart in Camdenton in 2013. During the trial, jurors heard from 17 witnesses, including children, parents, and investigating officers.

Cunningham said his office was working around the clock to prosecute.

“We are working nights and weekends around the clock. This case was tried shortly after we did a double murder trial. We’re going to continue to work hard to move cases quickly and get justice swiftly,” said Cunningham.

The school district settled several lawsuits concerning school incidents back in 2021.

Devore had already spent more than 800 days behind bars.

KY3 reached out to Camdenton Schools Board of Education, but has not heard back.

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