Hearing moved, soldier's status being checked by Blount Co. court

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Posted: 2:32 AM Dec 30, 2009 Hearing moved, soldier's status being checked by Blount Co. court A judge in Maryville has set over a hearing for a Fort Campbell soldier accused of soliciting a teenage girl for sex.

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MARYVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- A judge in Maryville has set over a hearing for a Fort Campbell soldier accused of soliciting a teenage girl for sex.

The Daily Times reported General Sessions Judge Michael A. Gallegos wants clarification of Joseph Michael Pescetelli's status with the U.S. Army.

If Pescetelli is still on active duty, he would be receiving military pay and that would affect whether he's eligible to have a public defender.

A police report states officers found Pescetelli and a 15-year-old girl in a motel room in Maryville on Dec. 18.

Pescetelli is held in lieu of $400,000 bond, charged with sexual exploitation of a minor, especially aggravated exploitation and solicitation of a minor.

A court hearing that had been scheduled for Monday was moved to Wednesday.

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