Cherokee County District Attorney files motion to revoke Joplin dentist's bond

Following the filing of felony charges in Jasper County Circuit Court, Cherokee County District Attorney Kurt Benecke filed a motion Thursday in Cherokee County District Court to revoke Joplin dentist John Joseph II's bond on leaving the scene of a fatality accident and contributing to a child's misconduct.

Benecke's motion notes that after Joseph's initial court appearance October 7, he was allowed to remain free without having to post bond.

Since the Defendant’s release, new and substantial information has emerged that necessitates reconsideration of his current release status. 

On March 5, 2025, the Defendant was arrested in Joplin, Missouri, on charges of: 

a. Trafficking Drugs or Attempt – 1st Degree, Fentanyl, in violation of Mo. Rev. Stat. § 579.065, a Class A felony under Missouri law, carrying a potential penalty of 10 to 30 years or life imprisonment; and 

b. Unlawful Use of a Weapon (Possess Weapon and Felony Controlled Substance), in violation of Mo. Rev. Stat. § 571.030, a Class E felony.

Benecke noted the severity of the Jasper County charges against Joseph and how they make it necessary to reconsider Joseph's bond situation.

K.S.A. 22-2802(8) directs the Court to consider various factors when determining appropriate conditions of release, including "the nature and circumstances of the crime charged; the weight of the evidence against the defendant... the likelihood or propensity of the defendant to commit crimes while on release... and whether the defendant is on probation or parole from a previous offense at the time of the alleged commission of the subsequent offense." 

The Defendant’s recent arrest in Missouri—involving allegations of drug trafficking and weapons possession—represents a significant change in circumstances that directly impacts both public safety and the Defendant’s likelihood to appear in future Kansas proceedings. 

The alleged possession of a dangerous weapon in combination with large quantities of a controlled substance, specifically fentanyl, presents an immediate danger to the community. First-degree drug trafficking under Missouri law involves the distribution or intended distribution of substantial quantities of controlled substances, posing grave risks to community health and safety. 

The Defendant’s ability to appear for future court dates in Kansas is also significantly compromised.

Joseph's preliminary examination is scheduled for 9 a.m. April 7.

(Hat tip to KSN, which first broke the story.)