Decision on former Joplin teacher's bond set for Thursday

A U. S. attorney will present evidence during a Thursday hearing on why former Joplin South Middle School teacher Charles Dominic Gastel, 39, should remain behind bars while he awaits charges of sexual exploitation of a minor.

Documents filed in U. S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri indicate the preliminary hearing and detention hearing will be held at 2 p.m. in the federal courthouse in Springfield.

Gastel will be represented by a federal public defender.

An affidavit outlining the allegations against Gastel can be found at this link.