Former Gannuci’s owner sentenced for multiple sex crimes

The former owner of Gannuci’s Italian Market has been sentenced to 72 months in prison, after pleading guilty to Criminal Sexual Conduct.

William Kalligher was first charged in July 2022. One of the alleged victims, who was under the age of 16, described three specific instances of abuse that occurred between 2018 and 2019. Court documents said Kalligher and the victim had a “familial relationship”.

The defense argued for a departure with probation and sex offender treatment, but the judge denied the departure and sentenced Kalligher based on sentencing guidelines for the offense.

“The acts that Mr. Kalligher pled guilty to are such a small example of how easy it was for him to take the innocence, joy, and safety from this young girl. He selfishly took something he can never give back,” said Vicky Wanta, who prosecuted the case.

“While we recognize that there will never be an amount of prison time that can adequately compensate for the indescribable acts through which the victim survived, we are happy with the sentencing decision. We wish the victim and her family well and hope this will be a small step in the victim’s long journey towards healing,” said Kim Maki, St. Louis County Attorney.