Stoker's state trial still on track

During a brief hearing in front of Circuit Court Judge Richard A. Brown on Monday, the parties involved in Jason Stoker's state case agreed to another case management conference next month.
Stoker, who appeared from Randolph County Jail wearing the green-striped uniform of a federal inmate, faces a Nov. 6 federal trial on one charge of conspiracy to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine, and a Dec. 11 state trial on four charges in alleged connection to the Oct. 28, 2016 fatal accident involving Chester police officer and volunteer firefighter James Brockmeyer.
Stoker's attorney, James Kelley asked Brown for a continuance in the case, with the parties next to appear in court on Nov. 13 at 1 p.m.
"The State is ready for trial and remains ready for trial," said Randolph County State's Attorney Jeremy Walker, who asked Brown to allow the Dec. 11 trial date to remain.
Walker later stated he needed to start getting witnesses ready as a special jury session will be required for the trial.
After the hearing, Kelley was asked his thoughts on if the defense was ready for trial.
"There's work that remains, but I didn't want to lose that trial date," he said.