Hearing delayed for Ponzi-scheme suspect

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

The sentencing hearing for Kevin L. Harris of Warren, who pleaded guilty to engineering a $20 million Ponzi scheme, is delayed again because of a change in Harris’ defense team.

Magistrate Judge George J. Limbert of Youngstown federal court on Friday approved Atty. Gilbert W.R. Rucker’s request to withdraw as Harris’ attorney and canceled the sentencing hearing that was set for Wednesday. No new sentencing date has been set.

Harris and Rucker filed separate motions Sept. 9, Harris asking to withdraw his previously entered guilty plea and expressing dissatisfaction with Rucker and Rucker asking the court to withdraw as Harris’ attorney.

Judge Lesley Wells denied Harris’ request to withdraw his guilty plea Sept. 2.

Limbert approved Edward G. Bryan and the Public Defender’s Office to represent Harris.

The sentencing has been delayed two previous times so that victim-impact statements could be received and analyzed.