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.