October trial date set in Jetton assault case

NEW MADRID, Mo. -- Former Missouri House speaker Rod Jetton appeared with his attorney Tuesday in court, where a New Madrid County judge set his case for trial.

Circuit Court Judge Fred W. Copeland, per an agreement between the state and Jetton's attorney, Stephen Wilson, set the trial for Oct. 28 and 29. All parties must return to court for a pre-trial hearing on Oct. 26.

Jetton, who is accused of assaulting a Sikeston, Mo., woman Nov. 15 and charged with second-degree assault, re-entered a plea of not guilty at Tuesday's hearing.

The victim, Mary Elizabeth Lowe, told a judge at a February preliminary hearing that Jetton assaulted her after they shared a bottle of wine and she became incoherent. Lowe said Jetton choked and punched her and that she drifted in and out of consciousness. She told the judge she recalled waking up with her hands bound together with a belt and Jetton was having sexual intercourse with her.

Scott County Prosecuting Attorney Paul Boyd entered 14 photographs into evidence at the preliminary hearing, depicting Lowe's facial, neck and thigh bruising from the alleged incident.

Jetton, a Republican, was a member of the Missouri House from 2001 to 2009 and House speaker from 2005 to 2009. In the wake of the criminal charges, he closed his political consulting business.

If convicted by a jury, Jetton faces a maximum punishment of seven years in prison and a $5,000 fine.

ehevernsemissourian.com

388-3635

Pertinent address:

450 Main St., New Madrid, MO