Jackson County judge revokes Moro’s bond

By Gus Bode

A Jackson County judge revoked alleged kidnapper John D. Moro’s bond after hearing information from an investigation indicating Moro has the motive and ability to flee if released.

At the hearing Wednesday, States Attorney Mike Wepsiec filed a motion to increase the amount of Moro’s bond, presenting information gathered since Moro’s capture.

Moro, 34, of Centrailia, has been charged with aggravated kidnapping of his daughter Demetria at gun-point from Giant City Elementary School. Moro was apprehended by FBI agents on Tuesday in Ellensburg, WA, after a two-week manhunt.

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Wepsiec said Judge Dan Kimmel set Moro’s bond at $100,000 only a few hours after the kidnapping occurred. Throughout the investigation Wepsiec said he the Sheriff’s Department learned a tremendous amount of new information.

Although Moro has never been convicted of any crimes, Wepsiec said two allegations of child abuse were filed against Moro with the Department of Children and Family Services. According to Wepsiec, the complaints never went to trial.

Investigators found a number of how-to books on underground survival which they link to Moro, including How to Run Hide and Survive, Wepsiec said.

Also found and connected to Moro were several videos dealing with Satanism and devil worship, Wespsiec said. Moro seemed to be enamored with Satanism.

Wepsiec said investigators believe Moro has the motive and ability to flee, and cited a December bank receipt of Moro’s they found which showed he possessed $25,000. He said at the time of the kidnapping Moro was not employed and was receiving unemployment compensation.

Investigators found Moro’s Centrailia apartment contained small amounts of men’s clothing, which Wepsiec said led them to believe he had no stable residence and was a very mobile person.

After acknowledging reservation in ruling on the matter without Moro or his counsel being present, Judge David W. Watt Jr. decided to revoke Moro’s bond and reserve time for a final ruling on the motion.

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We’ve got a guy 2000 miles from here, and that’s what concerns me, Watt said.

However, Watt said he does believe the facts Wepsiec gave are sufficient to support the bond increase request.

Wepsiec said Moro will not be allowed to post bond until he returns from Washington and his bond is reset.

Watt said the final ruling on the motion would take place very shortly upon (Moro’s) return to Illinois.

Wepsiec said he is happy with Watt’s ruling and understands that Moro’s rights need to be protected.

Wepsiec said Moro could possibly be back in Illinois next week if Washington investigators do not press charges and if Moro does not fight extradition.

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