Coleman in Court

A top-ranking Jasper County official says he`s not guilty.Captain Tony Coleman appeared before Judge Richard Copeland at the Jasper County Court house this morning. He`s facing misdemeanor charges relating to stolen funds. Captain Tony Coleman entered a not guilty plea this morning. But rather than having a trial date set, that has been delayed until a judge is found to hear the case. Judge Copeland disqualified himself in the case citing a conflict of interest. Jasper County Presiding Commissioner Chuck Surface says he hopes the Sheriff`s Department will get back on track due to Coleman`s absence at the department. Officials say Coleman is accused of taking around 80-dollars from funds collected at the Route 66 Music Festival last July. Officials say that money was supposed to benefit the salvation army. KSN tried to contact Jasper County Sheriff Bill Pierce today,but he was unavailabe for comment. Fleischaker says it`s not likely that a local judge will hear the case because of a conflict of interest. We`ll of course let you know when a judge in found and when a possible trial date is set. Reported By:Ryan Loyd