Jetton trial rescheduled for summer

NEW MADRID, Mo. -- For the second time since the case was moved to New Madrid County, Circuit Court Judge Fred W. Copeland agreed Tuesday to reschedule a two-day jury trial for former Missouri House speaker Rod Jetton, who's charged with felony assault.

Copeland granted a motion filed by Scott County Prosecuting Attorney Paul Boyd, who requested Jetton's Feb. 3 and 4 trial be set for a later date.

Jetton's attorney, Stephen C. Wilson, didn't object to the continuance. The trial has been rescheduled for June 2 and 3.

Jetton is accused of beating Mary Elizabeth Lowe of Sikeston, Mo., before and during sex. The two had agreed to meet at her home Nov. 15, 2009, and he arrived with a bottle of wine, according to Lowe's sworn testimony given in court at a preliminary hearing in February.

Lowe told the court that after finishing one glass of wine she started to drift in and out of consciousness. She also recalled waking up and Jetton had taken her into her bedroom and was having sex with her. Lowe testified there was a struggle after and that she suffered bruising to her face, neck, left thigh and right ankle. When she was questioned by the defense, Lowe said she and Jetton -- in a conversation before their meeting -- discussed using the safe word "green balloons" if intercourse got too rough.

Jetton's trial was first set to begin Oct. 28, but at a hearing before the date attorneys told Copeland they had come across new evidence that they had to review.

After the October hearing, Wilson said new cell phone text messages and medical information about the alleged victim raised questions for him.

Boyd didn't return phone calls Tuesday about his most recent motion that was granted.

ehevern@semissourian.com

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