Monia granted change of judge

BENTON, Mo. -- The case against Keith Monia is headed to a different judge, and it could end up in a different county altogether if the new judge approves a request for a change of venue.

Monia was indicted May 16 in Scott County Circuit Court on two counts each of forgery and financial exploitation of the elderly. He is accused of defrauding a Scott City couple of $220,000 by leading them to believe he would invest the money in annuities for them.

According to Detective Sgt. Branden Caid of the Scott County Sheriff's Department, most of the money instead went to George Joseph, who was bound over for trial Wednesday in Cape Girardeau County Circuit Court on charges of killing his wife and son.

Monia's attorney, David Mann, asked Judge David Dolan for a change of venue in the case on Thursday.

After a brief discussion, Mann amended his motion to a change of judge, which Dolan sustained.

Dolan told Mann the new judge then could rule on the request for change of venue.

Outside the courtroom, Monia declined to comment on the case.

Joseph, 48, is accused of shooting his wife and 18-year-old son May 30 at their Cape Girardeau home before turning the gun on himself.

At a preliminary hearing on Joseph's charges Wednesday, a witness said Joseph had been researching money laundering the day before the shootings. The witness said Joseph was worried because he was the target of a federal investigation.

In April, Caid interviewed Joseph about his connection to Monia. During that interview, Caid said, Joseph told him he was running a 60-member "investment club" to which Monia had belonged.

Since Joseph's arrest, several club members have come forward to ask police and media outlets for help recovering the money they invested with him, and a Cape Girardeau lawyer said Wednesday he expects to file a civil suit on behalf of more than 20 of Joseph's investors.

Caid said Monia told him he mistakenly believed Joseph was an insurance salesman who could handle transactions for Monia, who did not have a valid insurance license.

Monia said Joseph was supposed to invest the Scott City couple's money in annuities plans through American Equity Investment Life Insurance Co., but he failed to do so, Caid said.

epriddy@semissourian.com

388-3642

Pertinent address:

Benton, MO