LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) - A judge says he will delay the trial for
three men charged in a federal bid rigging investigation.

U.S. Magistrate Judge James Todd said Tuesday the trial will be
scheudled for late April. He did not have a specific date.

The case involves construction contractor Leonard Lawson, former
Transportation Secretary Bill Nighbert and Lawson aide Brian
Russell Billings.

The three were indicted Sept. 3 on charges of conspiracy,
misapplication of property and obstruction of justice after a
yearlong FBI probe into the awarding of state highway construction
contracts. They entered not guilty pleas.

Todd also prohibited the public release of a tape recording that
prosecutors unintentionally gave the defense and asked to have
returned. Todd warned that violations would be dealt with severely.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)