Monia trial in Cape Girardeau County likely delayed to 2016

Don't expect to see former businessman Keith Monia facing trial in Cape Girardeau County before 2016.

Monia, who appeared in court Monday for a case review before Judge Benjamin Lewis, had his case continued to late September to allow time for his two other jury trials to take place.

Monia is scheduled to go to trial in August on his charges in Scott County and in September on his Stoddard County charges.

His attorney, public defender Leslie Hazel, requested the continuance Monday, but Lewis hesitated, saying he was "trying to avoid" delaying the case until April or May.

He agreed, however, to continue the case after assistant prosecuting attorney Angel Woodruff told him the state would not be prepared to try the case before the end of the year, citing a large volume of paperwork involved.

In Cape Girardeau County, Monia faces six counts of financial exploitation of the elderly, one count of forgery and one count of theft of property or services in the amount of $25,000 or more.

Monia also faces charges of forgery and financial exploitation of the elderly in Scott and Stoddard counties.

Monia remains in custody at the Stoddard County Jail.

Pertinent address:

One Barton Square, Jackson, MO