New judge to hear case against Poplar Bluff teacher

DONIPHAN, Mo. -- The decision on which judge hears the case involving a former Poplar Bluff teacher charged with sexually assaulting a student is now up to the Missouri Supreme Court.

Timothy Slayton, 32, of Fairdealing, Mo., was supposed to be arraigned before Presiding Circuit Judge Mark Richardson for arraignment Monday on two felony charges of second-degree sexual assault.

Instead of arraigning Slayton, according to court personnel, Richardson recused himself from hearing the case and has requested the Supreme Court assign a new judge.

Ripley County Prosecuting Attorney Steven Lynxwiler said Richardson "really didn't indicate why" he recused himself. However, Lynxwiler said, Richardson may have felt there was a conflict because of politics. He added that Richardson may have helped Slayton's campaign for state representative.

Recusing himself is "what he suggested and understandably so. I think it was a wise decision," Lynxwiler said.

The complaint against Slayton alleges that on Oct. 20 and Nov. 13 Slayton allegedly had sexual intercourse with a 17-year-old Poplar Bluff High School student in Ripley County.

Slayton, who taught criminal justice and social studies, resigned from his teaching position Jan. 16.

He was defeated in the August Republican primary in his bid for the state representative seat for the newly formed 153rd district.

That was the second time Slayton ran for state representative and lost. In 2000, he ran against Rod Jetton of Marble Hill, Mo., for the 156th District.