SPRINGDALE -- The trial of lobbyist Milton R. "Rusty" Cranford of Bentonville was delayed to Sept. 24 by a court order Monday.
Cranford awaits trial in federal court in Missouri on one count of conspiracy and eight counts of accepting bribes. U.S. Magistrate David P. Rush granted an uncontested defense request for a trial delay until Sept. 24.
The defense filed its motion Thursday and listed an expected superseding indictment that will add charges as one reason for a delay.
A pretrial hearing set for today was delayed indefinitely by Monday's court order.
Cranford also played a part in two guilty pleas and one trial conviction of former Arkansas lawmakers. In each case, Cranford paid kickbacks in return for state grants, according to court testimony and documents. He does not face any charges in Arkansas.
Cranford has remained in custody in the Greene County, Mo., jail since his arrest in February.
The lawmakers convicted of accepting bribes from Cranford in 2013 are former state Rep. Micah Neal of Springdale, former state Sen. Henry "Hank" Wilkins IV of Pine Bluff and former state Sen. Jon Woods, also of Springdale.
Neal and Wilkins pleaded guilty to one conspiracy charge each. Woods was convicted of 15 counts May 3 in federal court in Fayetteville. Most of Woods' counts came from another kickback scheme that did not involve Cranford.
NW News on 05/22/2018