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	Lawyers Argue Pope Is Reason to Delay Trial Associated Press, carried in WTOL April 16, 2008 http://www.wtol.com/Global/story.asp?S=8173999 CLEVELAND (AP) - Attorneys for the former finance chief of the Cleveland Catholic Diocese are asking that his trial be postponed on account of Pope Benedict XVI's visit to the U.S. Joseph Smith is accused of taking $784,000 in kickbacks and has been charged with 23 counts, including making false personal income tax returns, money laundering, mail fraud and conspiracy. Jury selection is scheduled to begin Monday, the day after the pope celebrates Mass at Yankee Stadium and departs for home. Attorney Philip Kushner argues that all the publicity over Benedict's U.S. tour could leave jury prospects feeling more favorable toward the church and government witnesses, including priests and former Bishop Anthony Pilla. The motion is being considered by a federal judge.
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