EL PASO, Texas — The federal court trial of an El Paso County state judge accused of offering to trade sex and cash for help with felony cases has been postponed until January.
State District Judge Manuel Barraza faces four counts, including mail fraud, wire fraud and lying to a federal agent. His trial was set to start Monday, but was delayed until Jan. 19 after his defense lawyers argued that they haven't had enough time to review evidence turned over by the government less than two weeks ago.
Barraza, who has pleaded not guilty, was arrested in April and accused of taking cash bribes and asking for sex from defendants, including an undercover FBI agent.
Barraza was elected in November and took office in January. He has been free on bond since his arrest.
Copyright 2009 Associated Press, All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
