CAMDEN COUNTY, Mo. — The trial for Cassandra Franklin, accused of stealing more than $125,000 from the Camdenton School District, has been postponed.

Franklin appeared with her attorney, Cody Edwards, for her trial in the Camden County Courthouse on Monday, Nov. 30, 2015. Special Prosecutor Jon Morris represented the State of Missouri.

Franklin is charged with a B-level felony.

Cassandra Franklin

Cassandra Franklin is charged with Felony Stealing after police allege she embezzled more than $127,000 from the Camdenton R-III School district over a period of five and a half years.

Prior to court convening, Jon Morris spoke to LakeExpo.com, explaining that there were two older cases on the docket for this jury term. Because Franklin’s case was newer, the other cases would get priority and Franklin’s case would be reset in the future. When Judge Kenneth Hayden called Franklin’s case, Morris made the motion to postpone the matter and the defense agreed. Both parties stated they were ready for trial but agreed to the postponement for scheduling purposes of the court.

Judge Hayden asked both parties if they preferred him to set a date certain or just grant a postponement without a set date. Both attorneys agreed that a date did not need to be set at this time.

Indications from Judge Hayden were the trial would most likely be set in May of 2016 with a pre-trial conference sometime in March. Speaking again after court, Morris explained to LakeExpo that the court clerk’s office would place the matter on a future docket and the date would be announced since the court did not set a date on Monday morning.

From the bench, Judge Hayden stated he would make a record of the proceeding and instructed the court reporter to do so. Judge Hayden pointed out that the court was being more careful to make complete records of motions and requests for delays now. This appears to be a direct consequence of the problems found in the 26th leading up to Judge Joyce’s dismissal of charges against Aaron Fisher. In that case, Fisher was held for almost six years without a trial on charges of Forcible Sodomy of Minor Child. Incomplete records of the party requesting delays and the reasons as well as many months between court proceedings became the central issue in Judge Joyce’s dismissal.

Another consequence of the Fisher outcome was Judge Hayden’s words for defendant Cassie Franklin. Judge Hayden carefully explained to the defendant that her right to a speedy trial would be impacted by this decision. Franklin indicated she understood the implications. Judge Hayden asked specific questions of both attorneys regarding possible prejudice against their case if a delay were granted. Both stated no prejudice would occur.


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