A motion for change of venue has been filed on behalf of former teacher Elizabeth Gaddy, who allegedly had sexual relations with a 13-year-old boy she had taught at Callaway Middle School.

Gaddy, 46, of Hogansville is scheduled for trial Monday in Troup Superior Court on charges of aggravated child molestation, child molestation and enticing a child for indecent purposes.

Defense attorney William Kirby II of Columbus filed the motion Wednesday, citing newspaper and TV coverage, and Internet articles and blogs.

“The tenor and tenacity of publicity surrounding this case may have severely prejudiced the pool of unbiased, prospective jurors against the defendant,” Kirby said.

He said “highly inflammatory statements and arguments” by Chief Assistant District Attorney Monique Kirby at a hearing Oct. 9 were reported in the newspaper and “have further eroded the pool of unbiased, prospective jurors in Troup County.”

The trial should be moved at least 100 miles from Troup County, he said.

Superior Court Judge Quillian Baldwin is expected to rule on the motion after the defense questions prospective jurors.

Monique Kirby declined comment on the motion.

Joel Martin can be reached at jmartin@lagrangenews.com or (706) 884-7311, Ext. 235.