The attorney for a Great Bend man convicted of rape has asked the court to consider a more lenient sentence than the 50-plus years called for under state guidelines, saying it would amount to “a life sentence.”

Steven Terry “Dewey” Jordan, age 50, was sentenced to more than 50 years in prison in 2015 after a jury found him guilty of breaking into a house in the 1100 block of Morphy Street back in 2013 and raping the woman who lived there. However, Jordan’s conviction was overturned and he was granted a new trial. In December of 2019, a second jury again found he was guilty of rape, aggravated burglary and criminal damage to property.

In recent motions filed in Barton County District Court, defense attorney Shannon S. Crane asked for an received permission from District Judge Carey Hipp to bill the state for additional costs needed to locate and secure the testimony of the defense’s main witness, who did not want to testify. The judge ruled the amount of time needed for the case was exceptional.

Crane also filed a motion for a more lenient sentence.

“At the defendant’s age, following sentencing guidelines would amount to a life sentence,” the motion stated. She added that his criminal history included two juvenile adjudications for burglary of a residence and a 1989 felony conviction for attempted indecent liberties with a child. Crane said the age of the previous crimes is “substantial” and added, “the defendant seeks a chance to show the court he is able to do well on community corrections and overcome his drug addiction.”

Special Prosecutor Douglas McNett responded that “the defense has failed to provide a substantial and compelling reason to reduce his sentence below the standard sentence.” Jordan’s 1989 conviction was for the sexually violent crime of attempted indecent liberties, which occurred in Barton County.

Jordan’s sentencing was previously scheduled for Feb. 7 but due to the new motions it has been rescheduled for 2:30 p.m. on March 13.