AKRON, Ohio (AP) — A judge in Ohio has refused to halt the corruption trial of a former county official who claims two indictments against him amount to double jeopardy, or being prosecuted twice for the same crime.
Federal Judge Sara Lioi (LEE'-oy) in Akron ruled Wednesday against the trial delay sought by the defense for former Cuyahoga (ky-uh-HOH'-guh) County Commissioner Jimmy Dimora.
WEWS-TV ( ) says the judge dismissed the move as frivolous and then began a second day of jury selection.
The defense has asked a federal appeals court in Cincinnati to take up the double jeopardy issue.
The judge says double jeopardy cannot be argued until the first trial ends. No trial date has been set on the second indictment, on conspiracy charges.
The government disputes the double jeopardy claim.
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Information from: WEWS-TV, http://www.newsnet5.com
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