Change of venue, judge granted in Stoddard County rape case

BLOOMFIELD, Mo. -- A former Dexter, Mo., man accused of breaking into a local home then raping a woman will not have his case heard in Stoddard County.

Moses Grayson Jr., 33, is charged with rape, armed criminal action and first-degree burglary.

In a late July hearing, Grayson's attorney, Lesley Lynn, filed a joint application for change of judge and change of venue. The motion was taken up by Judge Stephen Sharp at an August hearing where the motion was granted.

The case will now be heard in a New Madrid County courtroom by Judge Fred Copeland. Grayson is set to appear at 10 a.m. today.

According to the probable-cause statement filed in the court, Dexter Police Department Detective Cory Mills said Grayson parked his van near the victim's home around 5:15 a.m. May 21 and made his way into her backyard. He is then alleged to have cut through a window screen to gain entry into the residence.

Grayson allegedly found the victim asleep in her bed, and she awakened to him touching her. She told police that when she opened her eyes he held a knife to her throat and told her that he would kill her if she moved.

When the victim failed to obey his commands, he allegedly struck her twice in the head with his fist.

He then, according to the report on file, raped the victim despite her cries and continued pleas not to kill her.

Following the incident, she immediately went to police and reported the incident.

Grayson was picked up later in the day at his parents' home in rural Essex, Mo.

Pertinent address:

Dexter, MO

Essex, MO