By Kim Wendel
WKYT
April 16, 2008
http://www.wkyc.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=87341&provider=gnews
CLEVELAND -- The trial of the former finance chief of the Cleveland Catholic Diocese is being delayed, after defense lawyers said they worried about the closeness to the pope's U.S. visit.
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Without mentioning those concerns, a federal judge agreed to move the case to May 12.
Smith is accused of taking $784,000 in kickbacks and has been charged with 23 counts, including making false personal income tax returns and money laundering.
Jury selection had been scheduled to start Monday, the day after Pope Benedict XVI celebrates Mass at Yankee Stadium and departs for
home.
Attorney Philip Kushner argued that all the publicity could lead to favorable bias toward the church and government witnesses, including priests and former Bishop Anthony Pilla.
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