Preliminary Hearing Date in Kidnapping Case

During a brief hearing yesterday, Dallas County Judge Lisa Henderson set dates for preliminary hearings for James Phelps, and Timothy Norton for November 5 at 9:30 am. both are charged with kidnapping. The two men appeared in court via webcam and are being represented by separate attorneys.

Dallas County prosecutor Jonathan Barker said he would have witnesses from “across several agencies” testify during that preliminary hearing.

Law enforcement agencies have been searching for 33-year-old Cassidy Rainwater for several weeks. Investigators said two men held Rainwater in a cage on Moon Valley Road near Lebanon.

Cassidy Rainwater has not been seen since July.

Two weeks ago, FBI investigators from Kansas City got an anonymous tip that someone was holding Rainwater in a cage on some property near Lebanon. Authorities arrested 58-year old James Phelps and later 56-year old Timothy Norton, who was staying on the Phelps property.

Prosecutors have charged the two men with felony kidnapping. Investigators found photos on Phelps’ cell phone showing a woman partially nude and in a cage and said Norton admitted he helped Phelps restrain Rainwater.

Phelps is being held in the Dallas County Jail in Buffalo and Norton in the Greene County Jail in Springfield to keep the suspects separated. Both are being held without bond.