MIDDLEBOURNE – John Brian Shepherd, who is facing several sex abuse charges, on Sept. 3 had his evidence hearing continued to 1 p.m. Oct. 9 before Tyler County Circuit Court Judge Jeffrey D. Cramer.

Shepherd’s trial was slated to begin in August, but he fled while out on bond. He was eventually captured by police and remains in jail on a $1.5 million cash bond.

Charges against Shepherd include sexual assault in the first degree; eight counts of sexual abuse by a guardian; two counts of sexual abuse in the first degree; one count of sexual abuse by a parent and one count of Incest.

Cramer’s attorney is Dean Williams. Tyler County Prosecutor Luke Furbee is prosecuting the case.

Also on Sept. 3, Debra West, 60, was sentenced by Cramer to serve her original jail sentence of 1-15 years after violating the terms of her probation and home confinement for a third time. West originally pleaded guilty to possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine. She violated the terms of her probation by using methamphetamine.

Furbee said this was West’s third probation violation. He said she would be eligible for parole in a year unless she is granted accelerated parole.

West’s attorney was Jeremiah Gardner.