ST. LOUIS, MO (October 24, 2024) — St. Louis Circuit Judge Elizabeth B. Hogan sentenced Osmani Haji Gul, 35, to 30 years’ incarceration for assaulting two boys in separate incidents on July 16, 2023, and July 23, 2023, in the City’s St. Louis Hills neighborhood.

Beginning in the fall of 2022, Haji Gul roamed the area around Francis Park for months, using it as a hunting ground for vulnerable children. One boy was attacked while riding his bicycle. The other was assaulted after playing with his friends in Francis Park. Haji Gul is an Afghan refugee who moved to St. Louis with his wife and children in 2021.

In May, a jury found Haji Gul guilty of first-degree statutory sodomy, sexual misconduct involving a minor, and fourth-degree assault. In keeping with the prosecution’s recommendation, Hogan sentenced Haji Gul to 25 years in prison for the sodomy plus four years for sexual misconduct, and one year in the City Justice Center for the assault.

The mothers of Haji Gul’s victims spoke at the sentencing, tearfully recounting the ongoing psychological trauma they and their children have suffered as a result of the assaults.

Holding one of their four children in her arms, Haji Gul’s wife told the court through an interpreter that the charges were “lies” and that he was innocent. Speaking no English and with her husband in prison, she said she has no means of support. She said they would never have come to the United States if they had known this would happen.

The case was prosecuted by Special Victim Unit Supervisor Jeremy Crowley and Assistant Circuit Attorney Robert Hollers.

“The predatory actions of this individual were every parent’s worst nightmare, striking fear into the heart of the community as he roamed the neighborhood looking for vulnerable children to prey upon,” said Circuit Attorney Gabe Gore.

“We are grateful for the courageous assistance of our young victims and their families, and the vigilance of the neighborhood as a whole, which allowed our office to expeditiously and successfully prosecute this case and bring the perpetrator to justice within months of the incidents. This case is an example of the important role the Circuit Attorney’s Office plays in increasing the level of public safety and sense of security in our community.’’

                                                          ###