Former state Rep. Stephen LaRoque's trial on federal fraud charges has been postponed from Feb. 12 to May 14. The postponement -- the second time the trial has been delayed -- is because new charges were filed against the Kinston Republican last month.
Federal Judge Malcolm Howard granted the request from the prosecution and defense, citing the complex nature of the case.
LaRoque, who resigned from the General Assembly after he was indicted in July, faces 10 counts, including fraud and tax offense allegations.
He is accused of enriching himself with business-stimulus money from a U.S. Department of Agriculture loan program, through non-profit entities he set up to make the loans.
