A special prosecutor has taken over a misdemeanor domestic battery case involving a Douglas County sheriff’s deputy as the defendant.

Franklin County Attorney Heather Jones made an appearance in Douglas County District Court on Tuesday morning in the case of Matthew Douglas, 35. Prosecutors have charged Douglas with making contact with a family member on Sept. 14 in a “rude, insulting or angry manner.”

Douglas, a sheriff’s patrol deputy since December 2007, has pleaded not guilty to the charge after a fellow deputy arrested him Sept. 14 at his Eudora home.

Douglas told District Judge Peggy Kittel on Tuesday that his attorney had asked to continue the proceedings. The defendant’s attorney, Kevin Babbit, was not able to attend the hearing.

Kittel scheduled the next hearing for Oct. 17. Douglas remains free on $750 bond. Sheriff spokeswoman Lt. Kari Wempe said Douglas remains on paid administrative leave until the matter is resolved.