FAYETTE COUNTY — A Fayette County judge has recused himself from a case charging a 37-year-old Vandalia man with 10 counts possession of child pornography.

In an effort to ensure there is no conflict in the case, Judge Don Sheafor recused himself Tuesday from a case against Ryan J. Koontz.

Sheafor said on record Tuesday in court that he had submitted a request for investigation concerning Koontz’s former defense attorney Shin Cho with the Illinois Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission.

Cho failed to appear in court for the second day of jury trial against his client. Koontz failed to appear for either day of trial and was arrested several days after a search for him had been launched.

The case is next on the court docket Thursday, October 12. It’s unclear at this time which judge will now be assigned the case.

Koontz remains in Fayette County Jail where he’s being held without bond. His bond was revoked in April after he failed to appear at his trial.