Internet pervert case back to square one

Justice has not been swift in the case of alleged internet pervert Gary Reed Blankenship, 55, of Neosho.
The former O'Sullivan Industries official had been scheduled to go to trial next month on 10 felony counts, including enticement of a child, promoting obscenity and eight counts of possession of child pornography. Blankenship was arrested Jan. 27 following one of Diamond Police Officer Jim Murray's internet stings.
During a hearing Tuesday in Newton County Circuit Court, with both sides in agreement, Blankenship's case was sent back to the court's associate division for a preliminary hearing, meaning essentially that the case is back to square one.
As regular readers might recall, The Turner Report has run a number of items that show that Blankenship has continued to roam the Internet, even after getting caught in the sting.
He was one of O'Sullivan's top executives when he allegedly arranged a sexual liaison with a 13-year-old girl he met over the Internet (who turned out to be a Murray). He resigned shortly after his arrest, but he has been in touch with former co-workers on more than one occasion. Readers sent me copies of one of his messages. It follows in its entirety:
"Hello to all.
"First, I wish to apologize for my actions. Regardless of guilt or innocence,I should never have done anything that would put my coworkers into this situation. For my actions, I am deeply sorry and do apologize.
"Second, I pray that each of you know me well enough to realize that I am not guilty of the charges that have been made. Of the 10 counts made against me, I will officially be arraigned on only one count - the other nine will be dropped.
"Last, I am sending this to each of you requesting your help. Most of you have either been contacted by, or have a message from Betty Jackson, secretary to my lawyer, Dee Wampler. I had to put together a list of character references and I could think of none better than the people I have spent a lot of time with for the past several years.The decision is up to you as to whether you wish to provide any comment regarding my character but I would appreciate your comments.
"I hope things are going well for all of you and the new O'Sullivan is beginning to shape up. I wish all of you health and happiness, and hope to talk with you soon.
"Thanks again for your support."
Gary Blankenship

Blankenship's preliminary hearing is scheduled for 9 a.m. Dec. 5.