Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey announced that his office's Sexually Violent Predator (SVP) Unit has secured the civil commitment of Larry Goosey. A jury in Shelby County unanimously determined that Goosey meets the legal criteria to be classified as a sexually violent predator under Missouri law, leading to his indefinite commitment to the Missouri Department of Mental Health.
"My top priority is protecting Missouri’s most vulnerable—especially our children—from dangerous predators," said Attorney General Andrew Bailey. "I will not allow violent offenders like this to walk free and endanger Missouri’s families. I’m proud of my team for securing this commitment and will continue to use every legal tool available to keep these threats locked away."
The SVP Unit focuses on the civil commitment of sexual predators who have a mental abnormality making them more likely than not to commit acts of predatory sexual violence if not confined in a secure treatment facility.
Goosey was previously found not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect for multiple offenses against a six-year-old girl in 1999, including first-degree statutory rape, first-degree statutory sodomy, sexual abuse, first-degree child molestation, and endangering the welfare of a child. In 2000, he was committed to the Missouri Department of Mental Health.
While institutionalized, Goosey engaged in inappropriate behavior toward staff and patients, exhibited violent conduct, and refused sex offender treatment. He was convicted of assaulting a guard and a peer and investigated for threatening to kill the Chief Operating Officer of a Department facility in Farmington, Missouri. Evidence also showed that Goosey admitted victimizing another girl.
At trial, an expert psychologist diagnosed Goosey with multiple mental disorders: Antisocial Personality Disorder, other Specified Paraphilic Disorder, and Pedophilic Disorder. The expert testified that Goosey could not control his behavior and was highly likely to continue committing predatory offenses.
After 26 minutes of deliberation, the Shelby County jury unanimously found that Goosey qualified as a sexually violent predator under Missouri law. Consequently, he will be committed indefinitely for care at the Missouri Department of Mental Health following the Court's Judgment.
Assistant Attorneys General Jeff Suddy Jr and Gregory M. Goodwin litigated the case with investigation support from Missouri’s sexually violent predator commitment unit. Judge Mike Greenwell presided over proceedings while Circuit Clerk Tameria Snider maintained records; Shelby County Sheriff Aaron Fredrickson provided security during proceedings.