Man accused of trying to cut off fiancee's finger granted change of judge

Cape Girardeau County Circuit Court Judge William L. Syler granted Jason J. Robert, accused of using pliers to attempt to cut off his fiancee's ring finger, a change of judge Monday.

Robert's case will proceed next Monday before Circuit Court Judge Benjamin F. Lewis.

Syler also denied a request from Robert's attorney, Gordon Glaus, to allow Robert to ride in the front seat of a vehicle. The condition of bond was ordered in February by Associate Circuit Court Judge Gary A. Kamp.

The condition, Glaus said, is preventing Robert from seeing his children.

"Take up this issue with Judge Lewis," Syler said.

Roberts is charged with second- and third-degree assault for incidents that took place Jan. 21 and 22.

After an argument, Robert tried to retrieve his girlfriend's engagement ring by cutting off her finger with a pliers. The victim's daughter entered the room in time to stop Robert.

According to a probable-cause affidavit filed in the case, on Jan. 21, Robert allegedly threatened to kill his girlfriend.

The victim told investigators that in the last few years Robert has also slapped, kicked and punched her.

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