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Prosecutor Opposes Long Delay Of Farmer's Trial

AP

A prosecutor is objecting to delaying University of Kentucky basketball icon Richie Farmer's federal criminal trial until February. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ken Taylor filed a court brief Thursday asking that the trial be scheduled for sometime this fall. Farmer faces charges of misappropriating government resources while serving as agriculture commissioner.

The trial was initially set for July. But Farmer's attorney, Guthrie True, said that doesn't allow enough time to prepare for what he expects to be a complex case. Farmer pleaded not guilty last month. He will remain free until his trial, which is expected to last about three weeks. Farmer, who served as agriculture commissioner from 2004 through 2011, could face up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine if convicted on each of five counts.