Trial date set for former Carl Junction choir teacher on child pornography, stalking charges

An April 15, 2026 jury trial is scheduled in Jasper County Circuit Court for former Carl Junction R-1 choir teacher Craig Smith, who is charged with possession of child pornography and stalking.

Three days have been set aside for the trial. Judge David Mouton will preside.

A 9 a.m. November 3 hearing is scheduled for pre-trial motions or for a change of plea, according to Jasper County Circuit Court online records.

Smith is free while awaiting trial after posting a $100,000 cash bond in June on the stalking charge. He had already posted a $300,000 surety bond on the child pornography charge.

Under conditions of his bond, Smith remains under house arrest and is required to wear an ankle monitor.

In addition, he is only permitted to leave his home between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. to attend court proceedings or meet with his lawyer and he is to have no contact with any child under age 18, nor any access to the internet.

More information about the charges against Smith can be found at the link below:

The Turner Report: Probable cause. Former CJ teacher stalked girl from sixth grade through high school