Ex-CEO Fraud Case Could Move

Bruce Cole was in court Friday in Randolph County asking a judge to reduce his bond.Circuit Judge Scott Hayes denied Cole street clothes because of the burden it places on jailers. Hayes also approved phone calls to Cole’s other lawyers if Cole pays for them. But his bond stays at $500,000. However he did agree to let Cole pay a portion of it as long as he surrenders his passport, finds a lawyer within 30 days, and signs a waiver that if he misses a court date he will be sent back to jail in Missouri.There was also a motion to change judges. The state supreme court will now make the choice, although no timeframe is established for the decision.Cole is currently charged with theft and security fraud for the failed Mamtek plant in Moberly. The facility never opened and defaulted on $39 million in bonds. Prosecutors say Cole lied to investors and used at least $700,000 for himself.There was also discussion on Friday about moving the case to St. Charles County, where officials can access a larger jury pool and a bigger airport for out-of-town witnesses.