CIETC attorney wants client's competency hearing closed
7:42 AM
Posted: Wednesday, May 21, 2008
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) -- The attorney for the former top executive of a now-defunct job training agency wants a mental competency hearing in Des Moines on Friday closed to the public.
Romona Cunningham is accused of misspending nearly $2 million in government funds on salaries and bonuses at the Central Iowa Employment and Training Consortium.
Cunningham, who now lives in Louisiana, attempted suicide last fall.
Attorney Bill Kutmus moved Tuesday to close the federal hearing to determine whether Cunningham is mentally fit to stand trial on 30 counts of fraud, conspiracy and obstruction.
Prosecutors have objected to a complete closure of the hearing.
U.S. District Judge Robert Pratt is expected to decide the issue on Friday.
Last month, a federal jury convicted two other CIETC officials in the pay scandal.
Romona Cunningham is accused of misspending nearly $2 million in government funds on salaries and bonuses at the Central Iowa Employment and Training Consortium.
Cunningham, who now lives in Louisiana, attempted suicide last fall.
Attorney Bill Kutmus moved Tuesday to close the federal hearing to determine whether Cunningham is mentally fit to stand trial on 30 counts of fraud, conspiracy and obstruction.
Prosecutors have objected to a complete closure of the hearing.
U.S. District Judge Robert Pratt is expected to decide the issue on Friday.
Last month, a federal jury convicted two other CIETC officials in the pay scandal.
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