Former Mo. House Speaker Charged with Assault
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Former Mo. House Speaker Charged with Assault

Date: December 7, 2009
By: Theo Keith
State Capitol Bureau
Links: Read the probable cause statement

Intro:  A former Missouri House Speaker has been charged with felony assault.
RunTime:  0:33
OutCue:  SOC

Wrap: The alleged victim says former House Speaker Rod Jetton hit and choked her at her Sikeston home last month.

That's as she says she drifted in and out of consciousness after drinking wine Jetton had poured for her.

According to the woman's statement, she and Jetton had discussed earlier that day to have sex.

A police officer found bruises on the alleged victim's body a day later.

Jetton was recently divorced.

He has been working as a Jefferson City political consultant since his House term expired last year.

From the State Capitol, I'm Theo Keith, Newsradio 1120 KMOX.

Intro:  Theo Keith takes a look at how Jetton still has his fingers in Jefferson City politics.
RunTime:  0:33
OutCue:  SOC

Wrap: After Jetton left office last year, he's been working as a Republican political consultant in Jefferson City.

Two Jetton clients, Representative Brian Nieves of Washington and Representative Rob Schaaf of St. Joseph say they just don't know enough about the assault case to decide whether to keep Jetton as their consultant.

Jetton has also advised such high-level politicians as the Republican House Majority Leader and Senate Appropriations Committee chair.

Neither of those men could be reached for comment.

From the State Capitol, I'm Theo Keith, Newsradio 1120 KMOX.