Weyrauch and Kott trials separated; Weyrauch delayed, Kott proceeds

A federal judge has ruled in favor of separating the corruption trials of former state legislators Bruce Weyrauch and Peter Kott on what was supposed to be the first morning of their joint trial.

Judge John Sedwick says the case against Peter Kott will still go ahead this week, but Bruce Weyrauch must now await an appeal sent to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals — possibly delaying his into 2009.

The prosecution is asking the Ninth Circuit to appeal evidence suppressed by the judge in a ruling made yesterday.

Jury selection in the trial of Peter Kott is going ahead this afternoon.

Opening statements in the Kott case are now expected in federal court in Anchorage on Monday morning.

David Shurtleff, APRN – Anchorage

Previous articlePalin releases new PPT proposal and calls Legislature to Juneau
Next articleWeb Extra: Attorney's reaction to Weyrauch trial delay