Former Missouri House speaker's court date to be set next week

Former Missouri House speaker Rod Jetton will learn next Tuesday when he will stand trial on charges he assaulted a Sikeston, Mo., woman.

The case was assigned to Circuit Judge Fred W. Copeland of New Madrid County last week, and he ordered that attorneys appear Tuesday for a trial setting. Copeland received the case on a change of venue from Scott County.

Jetton's attorney, Stephen Wilson, sought the change after a preliminary hearing held Feb. 24. At that hearing, Jetton's accuser, Mary Elizabeth Lowe, testified that Jetton punched her, choked her and tied her up at her home in November after they shared a bottle of wine. Lowe said she drifted in and out of consciousness while Jetton had sex with her.

Former Missouri House Speaker Rod Jetton walks into the Federal Court House, Wednesday, March 10, 2010 in Kansas City, Mo. Jetton came to the courthouse to testify before a grand jury investigating bribery allegations against him. Jetton has not been indicted on any charges related to the investigation.(AP Photo/Ed Zurga)

Jetton, a Republican, was a member of the Missouri House from 2001 to 2009 and House speaker from 2005 to 2009. In the wake of the criminal charges, he closed his political consulting business.

Jetton has also said he is the target of a federal investigation involving bribery, conspiracy and mail fraud. He has denied doing anything wrong. No indictment has been handed down in that investigation.

Pertinent address:

450 Main St., New Madrid, Mo.