Prosecutors granted three-week delay in ex-El Paso County Sheriff Terry Maketa corruption trial

A judge Friday agreed to delay a corruption trial for ex-El Paso County Sheriff Terry Maketa, granting three weeks of breathing room to prosecutors who say they face an impossible task after an unexpected resignation.

Whether it's enough time to prepare a persuasive case against Maketa by his new June 27 trial date is an open question.

Maketa, 51, is set to face a jury on nine counts alleging he resorted to extortion, kidnapping and other crimes during his third and final term in office.

In asking for a delay of up to six months, lead prosecutor Mark Hurlbert painted a dire picture of the prosecution's state of readiness after his co-counsel, Grant Fevurly, submitted his resignation Monday.

Read more: http://gazette.com/prosecutors-granted-three-week-delay-in-ex-el-paso-county-sheriff-terry-maketa-corruption-trial/article/1603456