Phelps Arraigned in Dallas County

Arraignment for 58-year old James D. Phelps of Windyville was held Tuesday in Dallas County before Associate Circuit Judge Lisa Carter Henderson. Phelps appeared in person via teleconference from the jail and without counsel. Phelps was informed of the felonies he has been charged with and his right to retain counsel.

Phelps was taken into custody on kidnapping charges last Friday in Dallas County after a tip was received by the FBI and passed along to authorities in Dallas County.

Court documents show that on September 16th, the FBI contacted detectives in Dallas County saying they received some photos from an anonymous person that showed Cassidy Rainwater in a cage.

Dallas County authorities say Rainwater stayed with Phelps at his home in Windyville while she got on her feet. Phelps claims she had left in the middle of the night one night at the end of July, and he had not seen her since then.

Sheriff Scott Rice will not confirm if Rainwater has been found.

Phelps is currently being held without bond in the Dallas County Jail.

He will appear for a Criminal Setting hearing next Tuesday at 11:00 AM.