BIRMINGHAM — A federal magistrate has postponed the conspiracy trial of state Sen. E.B. McClain and the Rev. Samuel Pettagrue.
The two had been scheduled for trial Aug. 4 in Birmingham, but they sought a delay. U.S. Magistrate Michael Putnam has delayed the trial until Jan. 12 because he said the two defendants need more time to prepare for what will be a complex case.
The two were indicted by a federal grand jury in May. McClain, a Democrat from Midfield, is accused of directing more than $750,000 in state funds to a foundation headed by Pettagrue. The minister is accused of passing along $305,000 to McClain for his help in securing the money. The two have pleaded not guilty.
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