Tagged: U.S. District Court

A federal prosecutor is objecting to a request by Richie Farmer’s attorney that the former agriculture commissioner’s criminal trial be delayed until February.

Farmer’s trial on charges of misappropriating government resources was originally set for July, but his attorney, Guthrie True, wants to move it until early next year, saying he needs more time to prepare.

But Assistant U.S. Attorney Ken Taylor filed a court brief this week asking that the trial be scheduled for sometime this fall,  saying a delay until February would be excessive.

A federal judge in Louisville has ordered the founder of USA Harvest to return to court in May after addressing several physical health issues and undergoing a mental examination.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Dave Whalin today set a May 29 court date for 63-year-old Stan Curtis.   Whalin said the two-month stretch before the next court date will allow Curtis to recover from two medical procedures and be examined by a psychiatrist to determine if he's competent to enter into a plea agreement on charges of using the charity to fund personal meals, travel and entertainment expenses.

After several delays, the founder of USA Harvest is scheduled to return to federal court this week to answer charges of misusing the charity’s funds.

Stan Curtis was expected to plead guilty last month, but his plea agreement was postponed because of questions about his competency.    His lawyer said Curtis had been hospitalized for an infection and was still too frail to enter the plea.

Curtis is charged with mail fraud, money laundering and filing false tax returns.

A federal judge has delayed the expected guilty plea of the founder of USA Harvest because of questions about his competency to understand the proceedings.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Dave Whalin today rescheduled a change of plea hearing for 63-year-old Stan Curtis until Jan. 31.

Louisville attorney Scott Cox, who represents Curtis, said his client's health has declined in recent days and he appears unable to grasp the legal proceedings. Prosecutors did not object to the delay.

A federal judge has placed tougher bond restrictions on former McMahan Fire Chief Paul Barth.

Barth was sentenced last month to 41 months in prison for embezzling nearly $200,000 intended for the Crusade for Children charity. He was given up to 60 days to report to prison.

The new bond restrictions were imposed after prosecutors learned that Barth failed to report recent real estate transactions, including the sale of a Florida condo, that would have affected his ability to make restitution prior to his sentencing.

A hearing will be held this week in U.S. District Court on the bond conditions set for Paul Barth, the former McMahan Fire Chief who pleaded guilty to stealing nearly $200,000 intended for the Crusade for Children charity.

Prosecutors requested the hearing after Barth did not disclose two real estate transactions that could have impacted his ability to pay restitution.