Change of Judge in Phelps Case

A change of Judge request in the case of James Phelps in Dallas County has been granted. Judge John C. Porter will hear the case taking over for Judge Lisa Henderson.

Phelps and Timothy Norton both face charges in the kidnapping of Cassidy Rainwater, who was reported missing in late July. Attorneys for Phelps asked for a change of judge in October. Because of the change, a preliminary hearing scheduled for Nov. 5 in Phelps’ case has been postponed.

Reports are that Rainwater had been staying with Phelps while she got on her feet. Phelps says Rainwater left in the middle of the night at the end of July and he had not seen her since then.

Norton is still scheduled for his preliminary hearing this Friday. Judge Lisa Henderson is still listed as the judge that will hear the Norton case.