Child Predator Sentenced to Life in Prison, LIVINGSTON, August 2, 2024 - District Attorney Shelly Sitton announced on Wednesday, July 31st, that a Polk County jury convicted Shannon Keith Hardee, 48, of Livingston, of two counts of second degree felony sexual assault of a child and two counts of first degree felony aggravated sexual assault of a child.
Polk County Assistant District Attorney Scott Ferguson, the prosecutor who handled the case who was also assisted by Assistant Polk County District Attorney, Mackenzie Smith.
After two days of testimony, it was clear that Mr. Hardee preyed upon single mothers with minor children and was clearly dangerous and a threat to the community.
After two days of emotional testimony, the jury took less than an hour to convict Hardee on all counts. Polk County 411th Judicial District Presiding Judge John Wells, III, sentenced Hardee to the maximum punishment of twenty years on each second degree felony and a life sentence on the each of the first degree felonies. The punishment was stacked, which means that Hardee must serve all four sentences separately.
Mrs. Sitton would also like to give special thanks to the Polk County DA’s Office Victim Coordinator, Megan Knighton and District Attorney’s Sr. Trial Associate, Jodie Richey, who done an exceptional job of coordinating and supporting the young witnesses over three days of trial. In addition she would like to thank the Polk County District Attorney’s Office Investigators, who worked tirelessly in preparation for the trial. In addition she gives thanks to the Polk County Sheriff’s Department, former Onalaska Police Chief, Jessi Stanton, and other State agencies who assisted in this case.
Shelly Sitton, your elected District Attorney, would like to thank all the citizens of Polk County who answered their summons for jury duty on July 29, 2024. Particularly, she would thank the members of the jury for their diligence in listening to the evidence, following the law and rendering a verdict. Justice was served.
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