Jetton assault trial delayed

NEW MADRID, Mo. -- Nearly a year after felony assault charges were filed against former Missouri House speaker Rod Jetton, attorneys working the case say there is more evidence to review, resulting in the cancellation of the two-day jury trial that was set to start Oct. 28 in New Madrid County.

Jetton is accused of assaulting Mary Elizabeth Lowe, a Sikeston, Mo., woman who at a February preliminary hearing told the court Jetton beat her during intercourse, causing facial, neck and thigh bruising. The incident allegedly occurred Nov. 15 at the woman's home.

Jetton is charged with second-degree assault.

Additional testimony from Lowe indicated that the two were classmates in Charleston, Mo., and reconnected via Facebook. They talked on the phone and exchanged text messages for a few months before meeting at her home and according to Lowe, the conversations became sexual in nature.

Lowe admitted to the court that at one point she and Jetton discussed using a safe word -- "green balloons" -- during sex.

While taking depositions a few weeks ago, Stephen C. Wilson, Jetton's lawyer, said new evidence surfaced, including text messages and medical information regarding the alleged victim.

"It raises a bunch of new questions for me," Wilson said.

Missouri Casenet reflects that no new trial date has been set for Jetton.

If Jetton is convicted by a jury, he faces a maximum punishment of seven years in prison and a $5,000 fine.

ehevern@semissourian.com

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