Judge defers ruling in Dayton Jones case

Proceedings were continued Wednesday in Christian Circuit Court until September for Dayton Jones, one of the four men who pled guilty to their role in a 2014 sexual assault at a party on Lafayette Road.

Jones is looking to have his guilty plea, which came with a 15 year sentence, overturned. He’s cited numerous reasons why he feels it should, including that his then attorney, Bill Deatherage, didn’t give the case its due diligence and alleging that multiple law enforcement agencies obstructed justice in some way.

In a file supplied to the media, those allegations were investigated by Kentucky State Police and the supplemental report states that all of them were unfounded in nature. Circuit Judge John Atkins informed the court that Jones is representing himself now, and had filed a large motion on July 5 providing many more arguments.

Jones now accuses the Kentucky State Police trooper who investigated his criminal complaints, of falsifying reports, obstruction of justice, tampering with physical evidence and more.

Atkins says due to Assistant Attorney General John Heck not having received the newest motion, he was going to defer ruling to give him time to file a response.

The next status hearing was set for September 12, when Judge Atkins says it is likely he will determine whether a hearing will be necessary to discuss whether Jones should be given relief from his sentence.

Jones pled guilty to first-degree sodomy, wanton endangerment and distribution of matter portraying a minor in a sexual performance. Jones’ co-defendants—Tyler Perry, Colton Cavanaugh and Samual Miller—also accepted plea deals on various charges.