FRANKFORT, Ky. — Now that a judge has ruled that the case will proceed, preparations for the federal fraud and theft trial of suspended Pike Circuit Judge Howard Keith Hall are moving forward.
Back in April, Hall was indicted on two counts of mail fraud and one count of theft of government funds dating back to his tenure as county attorney.
Prosecutors allege that during his time as county attorney, Hall appointed an assistant who did little to no work but still collected more than $440,000 in salary and benefits. They say Hall then received more than $500,000 in payments from the assistant’s law firm.
In July, Hall asked to have the indictment tossed out, but U.S. District Judge Gregory F. Van Tatenhove ruled against that request last week.
Hall is now scheduled to go on trial on Nov. 10, in Frankfort federal court.
On Thursday, Judge Tatenhove scheduled jury selection to begin at 10 a.m., Friday, Nov. 7. Opening arguments will then begin at 10 a.m. the following Monday.
