No trial date set for Ohio lawmaker charged with fraud

CINCINNATI (AP) — A case that began last year against a southwest Ohio lawmaker accused of misleading investors about a company’s financial status and using their money for personal gain has been delayed again with no trial date set.

State Rep. Pete Beck, who has pleaded not guilty to more than 60 charges including felony theft and securities fraud, was in Hamilton County Common Pleas Court today for what was to be a hearing to set a new trial date.

Beck had earlier been scheduled for trial today, but that was changed to the hearing after prosecutors said more time was needed for both sides to review case documents.

Prosecutor Daniel Kasaris, with the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, told the judge today that more time is needed before setting a trial date. Attorneys have said hundreds of thousands of pages of documents are involved in the case.

But defense attorney Ralph Kohnen, said Beck is ready for a trial after agreeing to numerous delays.

“My client is tired of waiting,” he said.

He suggested the state dismiss the indictment until they are ready to proceed.