Public defender signs on for former Joplin teacher in child sex case

The taxpayers will foot the bill for former Joplin South Middle School teacher Charles Dominic Gastel's defense on charges of sexual exploitation of a minor.

Ian Lewis, assistant federal public defender entered his appearance on Gastel's behalf this afternoon, according to documents filed in U. S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri.

The first hearing in Gastel's case is scheduled for 2 p.m. Thursday in the federal courthouse in Springfield. He is behind bars at this time. The government has asked that he remain there. Possible bond for Gastel will likely be an issue raised during the Thursday hearing.

Gastel, 39, Carterville, allegedly filmed video of himself having sex with an underage girl. The affidavit filed by a Jasper County Sheriff's detective working for the Southwest Missouri Cyber Crimes Task Force said the girl claimed he had been raping her since she was 10.