Judge Mark E. Powell set the trial date Thursday during a Polk County Superior Court Administrative Session.

Senior Deputy Attorney General with the North Carolina Department of Justice Jim Coman, who is prosecuting the case, said state officials wanted the trial to be set late next month, but the defense attorney noted conflicts with the trial being that soon.

Defense attorney Stephen Lindsay is defending a former Buncombe County Sheriff in a federal case that begins later this month. Lindsay said that trial should take just two weeks, but could be pushed back and he wants to provide the best representation for Abril that he can.

Lindsay is defending former Buncombe County Sheriff Bobby Medford, who faces charges of taking money to help protect an illegal video poker ring.

Look for more coverage in Friday&39;s Bulletin.