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Teacher charged with inappropriate contact with students seeks change of venue

Thomas, Rodney
Thomas, Rodney

A teacher in Maysville has asked for a change of venue for court proceedings on charges of inappropriately touching several girls.

As we reported, Rodney Thomas faces 20 felony counts including sexual contact with a student, sodomy or attempted sodomy, statutory sodomy and attempted enticement of a child. Charges listed dates from 2014 to 2017.

His lawyer, Daniel Ross of Kansas City, filed a motion for a change of venue in the case. Prosecutors objected, and Judge J. Bartley Spear is expected to rule on the motion during a hearing April 19.

Thomas, 39, is a Maysville Jr. High math teacher and wrestling coach. Thomas is currently still employed with the district but has been suspended for the duration of the investigation. He is being held on $150,000 bail. Conditions of posting bail include no contact with Maysville school students.

In February, the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office said it was contacted by Maysville R-1 School District Superintendent, Dr. Robert Smith, in reference to allegations of one of the teachers at the school inappropriately touching students.

Court documents allege 10 female victims ranging in age of 13 to 17. Two witnesses were interviewed by the Northwest Children’s Advocacy Center in St. Joseph. All of the alleged victims are or were students in the district.

 

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