OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — A former Oklahoma state senator is asking a judge to delay her upcoming bribery trial.
Attorneys for Debbe Leftwich say their client cannot get a fair trial in December because of recent publicity from the conviction of her co-defendant, former Rep. Randy Terrill.
Prosecutors accused Terrill of setting Leftwich up with a state job in exchange for not running for re-election. A jury convicted Terrill last month of offering a bribe for withdrawal of candidacy.
The Oklahoman reports (http://bit.ly/194PVmw ) that defense attorneys say Leftwich's Dec. 9 trial should be delayed because of "extensive and sensational media coverage" of Terrill's conviction.
Terrill's jury recommended a one-year prison sentence and a $5,000 fine. Formal sentencing is scheduled on Dec. 6.
A hearing is set for Wednesday on Leftwich's request for a delay.