New trial for former Brookline Fire Protection District fire chief convicted in sex abuse of a teenaged girl

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KY3) - A judge granted an appeal in the case against the former Brookline Fire District fire chief in June.

Former Brookline Fire Chief Larry McConnell was sentenced to a decade in prison for sexually abusing a teenage girl but was released. The trial process will start over with the same list of charges, the same witnesses, and the same evidence but with new lawyers.

“The procedural history in this case involving Mr. McConnell is a fairly unusual scenario,” said McConnell’s attorney Adam Woody.

McConnell was convicted in 2020 of three counts of second-degree statutory sodomy and one count of rape. Earlier this year his conviction was vacated and he was released from prison.

“After sitting there for four years suddenly your case is remanded and you’re set free. Your case is kind of pending again in the same procedural posture as it was back in 2019. Certainly, it would be an adjustment,” said Woody.

He explains that McConnell appealed the judgment against him.

“The direct appeals were all denied. However anytime a criminal defendant is convicted they have what are called post-conviction rights,” explained Woody.

Under his post-conviction rights case, McConnell argues that his lawyers didn’t provide the help he needed.

“Back in 2019 it was alleged that the attorneys at that time did not produce evidence at the trial that was deemed by the appellate court to be exculpatory, meaning some evidence to prove or negate the defendant’s guilt,” said Woody.

He explains that McConnell will face the same charges in a new trial.

“The appellate court determined had the original trier of fact heard this specific exculpatory evidence the outcome very well could have been different, he said.

According to online court records, McConnell is due back in court on Friday for a hearing. The state wants to revoke his bond.

A new trial date has not been set yet.

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