ST. LOUIS – A man convicted of sexual assault crimes that involved multiple boys was sentenced to 30 years behind bars.
A judge sentenced Osmani Haji Gul, 35, to three decades in prison. He was convicted for the assault of two boys in separate incidents in July 2023 in the St. Louis Hills neighborhood.
In May, a jury found Haji Gul guilty of first-degree statutory sodomy, sexual misconduct involving a minor, and fourth-degree assault in connection with the crimes.
Investigators say one victim, then a 6-year-old boy, was riding his bicycle near Francis Park when Haji Gul walked up to him, snatched him off the bike, took the boy to a nearby vacant residence and sexually assaulted him.
After that, investigators say Haji Gul put a second victim, a 12-year-old boy, in a headlock at Francis Park. That victim managed to escape.
The St. Louis Circuit Attorney’s Office says Haji Gul is an Afghan refugee who moved to St. Louis with his wife and children in 2021. Investigators say he roamed the area around Francis Park for months starting in the fall of 2022, using it as a hunting ground for vulnerable children
“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 St. Louis Circuit Attorney Gabe Gore via a news release.
“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.’’
The Circuit Attorney’s Office says the sentence was consistent with the prosecution’s recommendation of 25 years for the sodomy charge, four years for the misconduct charge and one year for the assault charge.