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KIRKSVILLE, MO. -- A Kirksville dentist convicted of tampering with a witness is denied a new trial.

On June 3, the jury hearing his case found Steve Barber guilty on two counts of tampering with a witness in the sex crimes case against his friend, former Kirksville attorney Tom Oswald.

On June 21, court records indicate that Barber's attorney, Edward Campbell, asked for more time to file a motion for a new trial. That same day, the judge who heard the case denied the extension.

In an order signed by Special Judge Karl DeMarce, DeMarce cites a 15-day deadline for making such a request.  DeMarce says since the fifteenth day from the end of the trial fell on a weekend, the last day the motion could have been filed on time was June 20.  In the order filed in Adair County Circuit Court on June 21, DeMarce overruled Barber's motion for an extension of time to file a motion for a new trial.

Scotland County Associate Circuit Judge DeMarce presided over the three-day trial, after Adair County Judge Russell Steele recused himself from the case. 

According to Adair County Prosecuting Attorney Matt Wilson, the order denies a new trial, "for now."  Wilson says there are other avenues that could be pursued, but they would be very complicated.  So, barring an appeal, Barber has essentially been denied a new trial.

Barber is scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 17. Barber remains free on bond.


Click here to see court records.



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