Defendant admits kidnapping, beating victim in Chickasaw County

Defendant Rusty Joe Barker, 23, center, listens to his attorneys, Richard Stochl, left, and Carter Stevens, in court Tuesday in New Hampton. Barker was charged with first-degree kidnapping but pleaded guilty to third-degree kidnapping and to two counts of committing willful injury. He was sentenced to 30 years in prison.<br><i>DENNIS MAGEE / Courier Regional Editor</i>