The Platte County Prosecutor’s Office dismissed a sexual abuse case against Anthony Paden last week. According to a statement, the state made the decision in consultation with the victim, who wanted
to avoid further litigation. The case could be refiled at any point within 30 years of the victim’s 18th birthday, but Platte County prosecuting attorney Eric Zahnd decided not to proceed with the current charges.
The victim was between the ages of about 5 and 16 during the abuse.
In January of 2013, charges were filed against Anthony Paden and his father Darren Paden in the same case. Darren Paden pleaded guilty to two felony charges of statutory sodomy in August and received 50 years in prison at sentencing last month despite support from several prominent members of the Dearborn, Mo. community.
Anthony Paden lived with his father in Dearborn during the 10-year period of abuse. He faced one count of felony statutory sodomy and was scheduled to start his trial soon.