FORT DODGE – An Iowa man who committed a heinous crime – sexually abusing his two daughters and recording the acts on video – has lost his appeal and will continue to serve decades in prison.
On June 29, 2016, Lucas Lankford appeared in Webster County District Court and pled guilty to multiple charges related to Lankford’s repeated and ongoing sexual abuse against a child. District Court Judge Thomas Bice accepted Defendant’s guilty pleas to two counts of Sexual Abuse in the Second Degree (class “B” felony), Incest (class “D” felony), and Sexual Exploitation of a Minor (class “C” felony).
Lankford, 39, admitted that on June 7, 2013, he had sexual intercourse with his 9 year old biological daughter, and that on September 11, 2015, he had sexual intercourse with his then 11 year old biological daughter. He also admitted that on June 7, 2013, January 18, 2014, and March 15, 2015, he photographed or filmed the sex acts he committed against the child.
Webster County Attorney Jennifer Benson stated that the sexual abuse that the child endured was horrific and will undoubtedly impact her life forever. The fact that her perpetrator was her biological father and that all of these actions were videotaped make the crimes even more disturbing. She went on to state that a lengthy prison sentence will protect the other children in our community from further offenses by the Defendant.
In imposing Lankford’s sentence, Judge Bice called this case the most “disgusting, repulsive, and sickening case he’s ever seen.” He emphasized that the very nature of the offense warrants consecutive prison sentences. Addressing the Defendant, Judge Bice stated, “People like you cannot be in our community. We need to protect our children.”
Judge Bice sentenced Lankford to the maximum periods of incarceration allowed by law on each of the charges: 25 years in prison on each charge of Sexual Abuse in the Second Degree, 5 years in prison on the charge of Incest, and 10 years in prison on the charge of Sexual Exploitation of a Minor. The prison sentences were ordered to be served consecutively to each other for a total of 65 years in prison. Both charges of Sexual Abuse in the Second Degree carry a 70% mandatory minimum, meaning that the Defendant will be required to serve at least 35 years in prison before being eligible for parole.
Additionally, the convictions carry a special sentence committing the Defendant to lifetime parole and also requiring him to register as a Sex Offender for the rest of his life.
Lankford appealed his sentence. The Iowa Court of Appeals this week concluded the district court did not abuse its discretion in sentencing Lankford, thereby upholding his sentence.
Must be a Muslim.
It takes a Moose Limb to know a Moose Limb LVS.
I will volunteer to execute him.