Ruling expected on former Jasper fireman's lawyer's request to withdraw from child molestation case

The arraignment of Jerred Taffner, 30, former chief engineer for the Jasper Fire Protection District, on child molestation and sodomy charges is set for 9 a.m today in Jasper County Circuit Court.

Judge Gayle Crane will also rule on a motion by Taffner's attorney, Elizabeth Turner, to withdraw from the case.

Taffner was bound over for trial after he waived his preliminary hearing August 2.

An underage girl described her molestation to interviewer at the Children's Center, according to the probable cause statement, saying Taffner used his mouth and fingers on her, put her on the bed, "laid on top of her for about 25 seconds and was moving a lot."

The child described four incidents she said had taken place within the last year.

After the police read Taffner his rights, according to the probable cause statement, he admitted that officers might find evidence indicating he had been on the girl's bed.

Taffner is being held in the Jasper County Jail without bond.