Barnhart Man Pleads Guilty

Jefferson Co., Mo. (KFMO) - A man from Jefferson County, 32-year-old Kody L. Willyard of Barnhart, is facing sentencing after pleading guilty in U. S. District Court to exchanging items of value including drugs and vape cartridges with an underage girl in exchange for sexual activity.

Willyard pled guilty in St. Louis to one felony count of coercion and enticement of a minor. He admitted providing marijuana, alcohol, vaping devices and vape cartridges to a girl when she was 14 and 15 years old in exchange for sexual activity.

The victim’s father uncovered Willyard’s crimes when he reviewed the victim’s social media and digital communications. He then contacted law enforcement.

The victim told authorities that Willyard had also provided items of value to another girl in exchange for sexual acts.

At Willyard’s sentencing in September, both his lawyer, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jillian Anderson, will recommend 15 years in prison. The crime carries a mandatory minimum prison term of 10 years.