Tahlequah Daily Press

Local News

Discussion

Add a comment on this story
October 4, 2012

Bond decrease denied for accused child abuser

By JOSH NEWTON Staff Writer

TAHLEQUAH — A judge on Wednesday denied a bond decrease for a Tahlequah mother accused of burning her baby with a flat iron.

Jodi Leann Rock, 19, appeared before Associated District Judge Mark Dobbins for a preliminary hearing Wednesday morning.

After testimony from state witnesses, Rock’s attorney Jim Cosby told Dobbins the court could take certain actions to ensure Rock has no contact with the alleged victim.

Cosby also said Rock has no previous criminal history, and it doesn’t appear she’d be a threat to the child or the community.

Rock has been held at the Cherokee County Detention Center on a $100,000 bond for felony charges of child abuse by injury and enabling child abuse by injury.

“After what I’ve been presented with, I’m not persuaded,” Dobbins told Cosby. “I’m not going to reduce her bond at this time.”

Dobbins did say he will review the second count alleged by the state – enabling child abuse by injury – because he didn’t feel he was presented with evidence from the state, other than an alleged statement Rock made indicating her boyfriend may have broken the child’s bones.

“‘He might have done it’ is not evidence,” Dobbins told Assistant District Attorney Marena Doolittle. “I need to know evidence.”

Dobbins said he expects to make a decision on that charge within the next couple of weeks.

Text Only
Local News
  • rf history tour1.tiff The rest of the story

    You can believe whatever local lore you want, and even tell it to others, but Tahlequah does not mean “two is enough.”

    May 24, 2013 2 Photos

  • AAUW to celebrate diamond anniversary

    For 132 years, the American Association of University Women has promoted equity and education for women of all ages. The nonprofit organization takes positions on social, economic, educational and political issues and has a mission to protect the rights and advancement of all females.

    May 24, 2013

  • Portable meth labs confiscated

    More than two dozen “shake-and-bake” methamphetamine labs were discovered by investigators Wednesday evening at a home between Watts and West Siloam Springs.

    May 24, 2013

  • Awareness of self, others key to mental health

    Promoting good mental wellness has been a practice since the mid-19th century.

    May 24, 2013

  • ra TMS Cancer Carniv#289EC1.tif Carnival against cancer

    For the past eight years, Tahlequah Middle School has come together with members of the community to raise money for the American Cancer Society.

    May 23, 2013 1 Photo

  • Former band director busted in park

    A Tahlequah man fired from his role as the Tahlequah Middle School band director in March was arrested by police this week on allegations that he was in possession of methamphetamine at a city park.

    May 23, 2013

  • Legislators scramble as session ends

    The end of the Oklahoma legislative session is looming, and lawmakers are scrambling to get last-minute bills on the floor.

    May 23, 2013

  • Officials urge denial of sentence modification for arsonist

    State officials have recommended a former wildlands firefighter convicted of arson be denied a sentence modification.

    May 23, 2013

  • Most locals would favor ‘a la carte’ cable

    In this digital age, fans of television can usually pick and choose what they watch and the platform on which they view it.

    May 23, 2013

  • Area residents continue to offer help to tornado victims

    In the aftermath of the May 20 tornado that decimated a portion of Moore, many area businesses and organizations are making efforts to assist in the recovery process.

    May 23, 2013

Poll

Should storm shelters be a mandatory part of construction in tornado-prone areas?

Yes, in all structures, whether they be public buildings or private homes and businesses.
Yes, but only in public buildings, like schools or stadiums; no for private homes and businesses.
No, storm shelters should not be mandatory, but perhaps government funds or grants should be available to those who choose to build them.
No, they should not be mandatory, and there should be no government funds for them.
Undecided.
     View Results
Press Sports Twitter Updates
Follow us on twitter
Follow me on Twitter
AP Video
Raw: Texas Deputy Shot by Colo. Suspect Honored Major Detours Following Wash. Bridge Collapse American Held in Grisly Czech Murders Raw: Jersey Shore Reopens for Summer UK-bound Pakistan Plane Diverted, 2 Men Arrested Officials: Tsarnaev Friend Linked to Slaying Obama:Sexual Assault Threatens Trust in Military Bridge Collapse Survivor: 'Rough Day' Jersey Shore Open for Business Raw: Memorial Day Flags Placed at Arlington New Wheelchair Lift Promises More Access First Person: Mom Discusses Famous Tornado Photo Raw Video: Washington State Bridge Collapse Boy Scouts Approve Plan to Accept Gay Boys Officials: Truck Hit Bridge Before Collapse Sheriff: No Sign Killing of 2 Kids Was Planned Obama Defends Drone Strikes, With Limits Raw: Jurors Deadlock on Jodi Arias Penalty Boy Scouts Decision "First Step" Say Activists Raw: Utah Teen Arrested in Death of His Brothers
Stocks
Bedlam