A hearing will be held this (Monday) morning, on requests for a change of venue and a continuance (postponement), along with the waiving of a speedy trial, for an Atlantic woman accused of faking her daughter’s cancer by administering drugs that could have potentially harmed the girl. The hearing for 30-year old Leatha Slauson is scheduled to begin at 9-a.m., in Cass County District Court. If Cass County Attorney Dan Feistner’s motion, and one made last month by Slauson’s attorney to have her trial moved out of Cass County are denied, the woman’s trial will begin Wednesday.

In last month’s motion for a Change of Venue, Slauson Attorney Jaz Mez said the woman’s trial should be moved due to extensive media coverage, gossip, rumors and speculation by residents in Cass County that would make selecting a fair and impartial jury impossible. Earlier, Mez had said Slauson was competent to stand trial, but unable to tell right from wrong. Mez is expected to use a defense of “Diminished Responsibility” when her case comes before a jury.

Authorities say Slauson lied about her daughter having cancer, inserted a feeding tube into the 5-year-old girl and gave her drugs and cannabis oils. Slauson has pleaded not guilty to 20 counts, including assault, child endangerment and theft by deception.