Attorney withdraws in Rick Jones suit against Wood River

The attorney for convicted felon Rick Jones has withdrawn from his client's case against the city of Wood River.

Jones consented to Fairview Heights attorney Harry Sterling's request to bow out of the case.

Sterling cited a conflict with a third party action that had been filed since the 2009 suit started.

Madison County Circuit Judge David Hylla allowed it Feb. 24.

The matter had been set for hearing before Hylla March 5.

Attorney Robert Bassett entered his appearance on Jones' behalf Jan. 6 and according to Hylla's order, now represents Jones.

Jones sued Wood River for allegedly failing to uphold its part of a contract related to a land sale. According to Jones' case, the city was supposed to bear all the development costs for land surrounding a water tower site.

He alleges the city hasn't done what it promised in the 2005 deal.

The former developer seeks $50,000 in damages and costs.

Wood River has asked the suit be dismissed.

Jones is currently serving a 15 month prison sentence stemming from his guilty plea to federal tax evasion charges.

Jones also has a suit pending against a woman who allegedly refused to go through with the purchase of a home in one of his developments.