Stoker trial set for Jan. 22

Jason Stoker appears to be finally headed to trial on his state charges, more than 14 months after being arrested.

During a case management conference on Monday, Randolph County State's Attorney Jeremy Walker announced the trial would begin January 22, with a final case management conference set for January 11 at 10 a.m.

Before that, Stoker is scheduled to appear before U.S. District Judge David Herndon on January 8 for a federal jury trial on one count of conspiracy to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine.

Stoker's federal case has been continued twice. He was originally scheduled to go to trial in September and then November.

In the State's case, the 35-year-old Stoker, of Chester, has been charged with two counts of fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer, and one count each of reckless homicide and first-degree murder in alleged connection to the October 28, 2016 fatal accident involving fallen Chester police officer and volunteer firefighter James Brockmeyer.

Stoker is currently being held without bond at Randolph County Jail. He was scheduled to go to trial on the State's charges on Dec. 11, but that was put in flux after his attorney, public defender James Kelley, became suddenly ill.

Stoker is now being represented by Sparta attorney Beth Heaton in the State's case and public defender Todd Shultz in the federal case.