Barber able to participate in his defense
Posted: 09.21.2010 at 7:59 AM
Steve Barber
Photo
A Kirksville dentist is now medically able to participate in his defense and will stand trial early next year. 
   
That was the outcome of a motion hearing Monday in the criminal case against 71-year-old Steve Barber.
    
Barber suffered 2 strokes earlier this year and his trial was postponed
   
Last month Adair County Prosecutor Matt Wilson filed a motion asking that barber be required to undergo an independent medical exam and release his medical records to the prosecution.
    
In that filing Wilson said that he learned Barber maintained his dental license and started to see patients again, and that barber filed to renew his d-e-a license and was able to communicate with members of the Missouri State Board of Dentistry.
    
Barber is now scheduled to stand trial in February 20-11 on two charges of tampering with a witness.
    
Those charges are in connection with the felony sex crimes case of long-time Kirksville attorney Tom Oswald.
    
Barber was indicted by the Adair County Grand Jury in June 2009 and is free on bond.