Former Douglas County Deputy James Verow was back in court last Friday as defense attorney Karen Bates-Crouch and Prosecutor Roger Wall debated motions filed before visiting judge Charles D. Curless, of Lamar, who replaced Circuit Judge John Moody who recused himself.
Verow, 35, is charged with numerous counts related to possession and theft of controlled substances.
Numerous witnesses were called to testify at Friday’s hearing to support Bates-Crouch’s request to disqualify Wall as prosecutor and a motion to quash the indictment, and Wall’s request for revocation of Verow’s bond. Bates-Crouch also filed a motion for bond reduction, although her client is currently out on bond.
Judge Curless overruled the motion to disqualify Wall but did agree to reduce Verow’s bond from $100,000 to $50,000. He also ruled to not revoke bond, but modified conditions of the bond in that Verow was ordered to have no contact with his girlfriend Anna Moreland, Prosecutor Wall or his family.
Wall requested the revocation of bond because of accusations that Verow had made threats against witnesses.
The motion to quash the indictment was sustained, and the state was granted leave to file information in lieu of the indictment, which Wall immediately did.
