Secretary of State Charlie White’s criminal trial has been postponed again. It will now begin Jan. 30, White’s attorney, Carl Brizzi, confirmed this morning after a telephone conference with a Hamilton County judge and prosecutors.
White faces seven felony charges, including voter fraud and theft, because of confusion over where he lived during his campaign for statewide office. His trial had been scheduled for Aug. 8 but was pushed back to Sept. 12.
The latest delay comes days after Brizzi, the former Marion County prosecutor, took over the case. “I think the most compelling reason (for the continuance) is that I’m brand new to the case, so the judge thought it was a good idea to get me up to speed,” Brizzi said this morning.
Just two weeks ago, Brizzi joined the case and released a statement saying he and attorney Dennis Zahn, who had been representing White, would work together as co-counsels. But last week, Zahn asked to withdraw his appearance.
Brizzi said he’s unsure why Zahn left the case, and Zahn could not be reached for comment. Brizzi doesn’t anticipate any more delays.
“Of course (White) is looking forward to the day that he can vindicate himself,” Brizzi said. White could lose his job if convicted of any of the felony charges.
Source: Whites trial on voter fraud delayed again | The Indianapolis Star | indystar.com.