Dexter police officers' cases moved to Dunklin County

BLOOMFIELD, Mo. -- The cases involving two Dexter police officers charged with hindering prosecution will now be heard in Dunklin County.

In a court appearance Thursday morning, Associate Circuit Judge David Mann of Scott County -- the third judge assigned to hear the cases -- took up motions for change of venue filed on behalf of police chief Ken Rinehart and Sgt. Sammy Stone.

Mann ordered that Rinehart and Stone's cases be moved to Dunklin County for further proceedings, including any jury trials.

The officers are facing the felony of hindering prosecution following their indictment by a Stoddard County grand jury in January.

The indictments stem from an incident involving former Dexter officer Robert Kennedy, who was arrested in July on charges of improper sexual activities. He later pleaded guilty to three felonies and was placed on five years' supervised probation.

Stoddard County Prosecuting Attorney Briney Welborn said, "Dunklin County was the best place to go. ... There has been less publicity."

In addition to granting the change of venue, Mann also ordered Rinehart and Stone to appear before him at 9 a.m. June 14 in Scott County.

Welborn said the court likely will discuss discovery motions at that time.