Whittemore’s trial again delayed
The federal trial of former power broker Harvey Whittemore, charged in a scheme to unlawfully funnel $138,000 in campaign contributions to U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, has been delayed again.
At the request of defense lawyers and prosecutors, Senior U.S. District Judge Larry Hicks has reset the trial date to May 14 in Reno.
Whittemore, 59, who once wielded influence within the state's political hierarchy, faces four felony charges, including excessive campaign contributions, contributions in the name of another and making a false statement to a federal agency.
Defense lawyers indicated this week they needed more time to prepare for the trial. Several pretrial issues remain unresolved.
The indictment alleges Whittemore met with Reid, a Nevada Democrat, in February 2007 and agreed to raise $150,000 by the March 31, 2007, campaign finance deadline.
Whittemore unlawfully used family members and associates as conduits for contributions to the senator's campaign and then reimbursed them, the indictment alleges.
Contact Jeff German at jgerman@reviewjournal.com or 702-380-8135.
