04/30/2026
On Wednesday, April 29, 2026, a Texas County jury found Dustin Drennan, 37, of Rolla, guilty of five counts of Statutory So**my in the First Degree, two counts of Statutory R**e in the First Degree, one count of R**e in the First Degree, one count of So**my in the First Degree, and one Count of Child Molestation in the Second degree. The Honorable Zachary Armfield presided over the trial, which lasted 3 days. The case was prosecuted by Phelps County Prosecuting Attorney, Taylor Banholzer, and Phelps County Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, Jared Robinson.
From June 2018 to April 2021, Drennan had s*xual contact with his stepchild, starting at age 11. At trial, the victim testified before the jury as to what Drennan had done over the course of their childhood. The Defendant also testified. The jury deliberated for approximately two hours before returning guilty verdicts all ten counts presented to them.
Final sentencing is scheduled for June 3, 2026. At sentencing, Defendant faces up to 9 consecutive life sentences, plus 15 years for the child molestation count.
“This case has been in the works for a long time, due to no fault of the Victim. The Victim absolutely took their life back on the witness stand, that shows in the verdict.” Banholzer said. “Proud does not begin to explain how this office feels about this Victim’s resilience.”
This case was originally investigated by the Phelps County Sheriff’s Department and Children’s Division.
