Armitage trial postponed until May

The federal trial of former Miami professor Kevin Armitage, who was arrested for trying to hire a sex-trafficked 14-year-old girl in May 2018, was postponed until May 6, 2019.

Armitage's lawyer, Chris Angles, filed a motion for continuance to reschedule the case to April because the defense is still waiting for "forensic evidence" from Armitage's laptop, which was seized by federal agents during his initial arrest.

Angles argued that counsel would not be ready for a trial until April because "analysis and evidence" from the computer "has not been produced yet."

The prosecution, represented by U.S. Assistant Attorney Teresa Moore, was "not opposed to the request."

Judge John Maughmer granted the motion and reset Armitage's trial for Monday, May 6. He also ordered Angles and Moore to be present for a "pretrial conference" on Thursday, April 18 to discuss the case prior to trial.

During the pretrial conference, Angles and Moore are expected to discuss any potential issues that may arise in court. The judge will consult with both sides regarding admissible evidence, any circumstances requiring a pool of jurors larger than 45 people, pending motions, how long the trial will last, how many witnesses will be called to the stand, the status of Armitage's plea or if any charges are going to be dismissed.

Judge Brian Wimes will continue to preside over the trial, as previously determined, which will begin at 9 a.m. on May 6 in Courtroom 7D at the Charles Evans Whittaker U.S. Courthouse in Kansas City, Missouri.

@cadoyle_18

doyleca3@miamioh.edu