FAYETTE COUNTY — The attorney for a Vandalia man who failed to appear for his jury trial last month on numerous counts of child pornography is seeking to withdraw from the case.
(Source: FCSO)
According to Fayette County court records, 36-year old Ryan J. Koontz is charged with eight Class 2 felony counts possessing child pornography and two Class X felony counts possessing child pornography.
Koontz, who was free on bond failed to appear last month for a scheduled jury trial in the case. His attorney, Shin Cho, failed to appear the second day and the jury was released.
Koontz was ultimately captured and transported to the Fayette County Jail where he continues to be held without bond.
During a pre-trial hearing last week, Cho filed a motion to withdraw as Koontz’ attorney. That motion will be heard Wednesday.
Koontz was arrested on the charges in 2015 and was scheduled for an April jury trial. A new defense attorney in the case would require time to become familiar with the case and could result in lengthy delays.