Dismissal sought in Dexter police chief's case

KENNETT, Mo. -- The attorney representing former Dexter police chief Ken Rinehart and Sgt. Sammy Stone filed a motion Thursday asking the court to dismiss the felony charges against them.

Cape Girardeau attorney John Oliver filed the motion citing "violation of statutory and constitutional right to a speedy trial," according to a docket entry on the Missouri State Courts Automated Case Management System.

Rinehart and Stone were charged in January 2002 with hindering prosecution of former Dexter officer Robert Kennedy, who was arrested in July 2001 on charges of improper sexual activities. Kennedy later pleaded guilty to three felonies.

A gag order in the case issued by Associate Circuit Judge Douglas Mann of Scott County prohibits the defendants, witnesses, Oliver or Stoddard County Prosecuting Attorney Briney Welborn from discussing the case.

Rinehart and Stone were supposed to stand trial in February. However, Mann granted a continuance in the case over the defense's objections.

Welborn had requested a continuance because a "crucial witness" was out of the country.

Rinehart resigned as police chief and had planned to start working at the Cape Girardeau Regional Airport as a baggage screener. Transportation Security Administration officials put him on administrative leave last year after they learned he was under indictment.