Jetton pleads guilty in traffic court

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- Former Missouri House speaker Rod Jetton pleaded guilty recently in Butler County traffic court to an amended charge of interfering with traffic by driving using excessive noise.

With his guilty plea, Jetton accepted a plea agreement between his attorney, state Sen. Jason Crowell, and Butler County assistant prosecuting attorney Paul Oesterreicher. He agreed to pay a fine and court costs, according to the agreement.

Jetton, who originally received a traffic summons in November for careless and imprudent driving resulting in an accident, paid his $100 fine Feb. 8.

In a separate case in New Madrid County, Jetton continues to maintain his innocence and deny allegations that he assaulted a Sikeston, Mo. woman during sex in November 2009. At a January hearing, Jetton's assault trial was rescheduled. It's now set for June 2 and 3.