Delay Granted In Ricin Letter Trial

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) – A federal judge has delayed the Oct. 7 trial of a man charged with sending poison-laced letters to President Barack Obama and other officials.

U.S. District Judge Sharion Aycock in Aberdeen ruled Friday that the trial is delayed until further order from the court.

Attorney Ken Coghlan asked for the continuance earlier this month after he was appointed to the case when two federal public defenders asked to withdraw as Dutschke’s lawyers.

Coghlan said in his motion that he needs more time to prepare.

Dutschke is charged with sending ricin-tainted letters on April 8 to Obama, U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker and Lee County Justice Court Judge Sadie Holland.

Dutschke is a former martial arts instructor from Tupelo.

He has denied sending the letters.