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The Honolulu Advertiser
Updated at 1:44 p.m., Friday, March 7, 2008

O.J. Simpson's robbery trial delayed until September

By KEN RITTER
Associated Press Writer

LAS VEGAS — A judge agreed today to delay the armed robbery and kidnapping trial for O.J. Simpson and two co-defendants until September to give the defense more time to prepare.

Clark County District Judge Jackie Glass also refused to separate the former football star's trial from co-defendants Charles Ehrlich and Clarence "C.J." Stewart. She also refused throw out the charges against Simpson.

The men are accused of kidnapping and robbing two dealers peddling Simpson memorabilia at a Las Vegas hotel-casino in September 2007.

In her ruling to push the trial to Sept. 8, Glass acknowledged it took longer than expected for prosecutors to analyze and enhance tape recordings, transcripts and fingerprints and turn them over to the defense to prepare for trial, which had been set initially for April 7.

The judge issued a stern warning to lawyers that "there should be absolutely, positively no reason" to postpone trial again.

"If you even dare to come to me before the next trial setting and tell me of something that didn't get done, then shame on you," Glass said.

Simpson did not appear for the hearing, though Ehrlich and Stewart were there. Both declined comment while defense lawyers and prosecutors met with the judge.

They have pleaded not guilty to all charges, including kidnapping, armed robbery and assault with a deadly weapon. Convictions could bring life prison sentences with the possibility of parole.

District Attorney David Roger declined to comment.

The judge has not yet ruled on Simpson lawyer Yale Galanter's request for a written questionnaire to be filled out by jury prospects to prevent them from hearing one another's answers.

AP Special Correspondent Linda Deutsch contributed to this report.