MARBLE HILL, Mo. -- Judge Benjamin Lewis granted a change of venue Thursday morning in the case of James E. Primer of Patton, Mo., who is charged with rape and molestation.

Although Primer's attorney, Malcolm Montgomery of Cape Girardeau, argued to have the case heard in a court out of the district, Lewis moved the case to Cape Girardeau County. Primer's next scheduled appearance will be March 22 in Jackson.

Primer, 42, was charged in the case in 2009 after DNA testing identified him as the father of a child born June 20 to a girl who was 13 at the time she became pregnant, according to a sworn statement filed with the charges.

Initial DNA testing conducted after the birth of the child led to charges being dismissed Oct. 5 against Brandon E. Johnson, 20, who had admitted knowing the victim but denied having sex with her. Johnson had spent eight months in jail after the victim allegedly identified him as the father of her child.

Primer remains free on $5,000 bond. His original bond of $50,000 cash or commercial surety was reduced Feb. 11, and he was released from the Bollinger County Jail after bond was posted.