Child molestation, statutory rape trial of Joplin man delayed until March

The child molestation and statutory rape trial of Blaine Downum, 30, Joplin, originally scheduled to begin Tuesday, was continued until March 5, with three days set aside for the trial.

Judge Dean Dankelson overruled a defense motion to dismiss the charges, but sustained motions to exclude a witness and to continue the case.

Downum, who is also charged with resisting arrest and with begin a felon in possession of a firearm, is also awaiting trial on a separate felony charge of possession of a controlled substance and has been charged with 11 felonies since receiving a suspended sentence and being placed on probation in 2014 on a felony charge of receiving stolen property.

Downum is charged with molesting and raping a 10-year-old girl on February 25, 2018, and resisting arrest and having a firearm on April 16, 2018.