Whittemore granted hearing in fight against federal charges

RENO — Former Nevada political powerbroker Harvey Whittemore has been granted his request for a special hearing on his claim the government obtained some evidence against him without a warrant.

The Reno Gazette-Journal reported that U.S. District Judge Larry Hicks ruled on Whittemore’s request Friday, a day after he heard two hours of arguments on the issue.

No date was set for the hearing at which Whittemore’s lawyers will present evidence that material in 81 boxes taken from his office should not be allowed at trial.

Whittemore is scheduled to go to trial May 14 on charges he used his family and employees to make illegal campaign contributions to U.S. Sen. Harry Reid’s 2010 re-election bid. Whittemore also is charged with lying to the FBI.