MARTINSBURG, W.Va. (AP) -
The trial of a sheriff accused of beating a bank robbery suspect has been delayed until early next year.
Jefferson County Sheriff Robert Shirley was scheduled to stand trial on August 7. His attorneys requested a continuance, saying they need more time to prepare.
Media outlets report that U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey granted the request Monday and rescheduled the trial for Jan. 22.
Shirley is charged with deprivation of rights under the color of law and falsifying records during a federal investigation of the incident.
The incident also prompted a lawsuit by the suspect against Shirley and 14 unidentified police officers. Mark Daniel Haines of Harpers Ferry alleges that the officers beat him after a failed bank robbery and chase.
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