Joseph Wayne Cruse received a life sentence Friday in Barton County District Court, following his July conviction on nine Jessica’s Law sex offenses and three additional counts of aggravated intimidation of a witness.

Barton County Attorney Levi Morris noted that a jury convicted Cruse for the crimes that were committed over the span of seven years. 

The State of Kansas presented evidence over three days of the trial. The defense did not present any evidence.

Each Jessica’s Law conviction carries a presumed life sentence with a mandatory 25 years before possible parole. 

The District Court case number is Case No. BT-2022-CR-203. The State of Kansas was represented by Assistant Barton County Attorney Mark Brinkworth and Barton County Attorney Morris. The defendant was represented by Cheryl Stewart.

The specific convictions include five counts of aggravated indecent liberties with a child, three counts of aggravated intimidation of a witness, one count of aggravated criminal sodomy, two counts of rape, and one count of attempted aggravated indecent liberties with a child.