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Highlands Today

Meus back in court today

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By BRAD DICKERSON

Highlands Today

Published: April 24, 2009

WAUCHULA - Jean Claude Meus will be back in court today in Hardee County for a 1:30 p.m. status hearing.

This most recent court appearance comes almost a year after Hardee County Judge Jeff McKibben granted a new trial. A March 11 ruling by the Second District Court of Appeals in Lakeland affirmed the judge's decision.

Meus, 45, an independent trucker, was convicted in Hardee County in the 2001 accidental death of Nona Moore, 40, and her 8-year-old daughter Lindsey.

Prosecutors say Meus fell asleep at the wheel, drove through a stop sign and overturned his tractor-trailer onto Moore's van at Seven Mile Point. The defendant said he was cut off by a third vehicle and was forced to swerve into the van.

Meus was sentenced in 2003 to 15 years in prison, but was released by McKibben after a witness on the scene testified that Meus did not seem tired and had no problems walking, talking or understanding what was happening.

To help with legal fees, a defense fund has been set up for Meus. Donations can be made to any Wauchula State Bank branch in the name of the Jean Claude Meus fund.

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