Visiting Senior Judge WM. Fremming Nielsen set Salas’ jury trial for Feb. 7, 2011.
“I request the court to find from the representation…that this motion is in my best interest and that the ends of justice served,” Salas stated in his written motion, also signed by his court-appointed defense attorney David Banes.
Salas and Banes told the court they needed time to prepare for trial.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric S. O’Malley, the prosecutor, did not object.
Currently on pretrial release, Salas signed the waiver of speedy trial pleading in open court yesterday.
Before granting the motion, Nielsen examined Salas as to his understanding of his constitutional rights and his right to a speedy trial.
Salas has denied the charge of one count of extortion under color of official right.
Federal Bureau of Investigation agents arrested Salas on Sept. 14, 2010 after the building inspector received a total of $200 from an owner of a printing press “in exchange for withholding administrative functions” such as imposing fines for building code violations, the prosecution said.
FBI agents also seized the $100 sting money from Salas’ vehicle.
Another Fitial administration official is scheduled for jury trial on Jan. 18, 2011.
Franz Reksid, 60, the special assistant to the secretary of Department of Public Lands, was indicted by a grand jury on the charge of soliciting bribe money in the “Brownsfield” program which receives federal funds.
The grand jury indicted Reksid on Nov. 23.
The indictment stated that Reksid solicited $3,000 from the owner of a business seeking to obtain a contract with DPL. The contract was funded by an EPA Brownsfield grant.
Reksid has denied the charge.
He is on pretrial release after issuing a $25,000 unsecured bond.
