Indicted state senator to stay on, wants trial date after 2018 General Assembly session

State Sen. Nathaniel Oaks (D), who is facing federal fraud charges, said he intends to remain a legislator as he fights the case.

Attorneys for Oaks on Friday asked the judge overseeing his case to reschedule his trial for after the next General Assembly session to avoid a conflict. Reached Friday evening, Oaks said in a brief phone conversation that he will continue to serve: "I'm a senator. I have obligations to the constituency that elected me," he said.

Earlier this week, U.S. District Court Judge Richard D. Bennett scheduled a two-week trial for Oaks that would begin March 5, 2018. Oaks' attorney Stuart O. Simms cited "concern regarding the availability of our client and access to other individuals that may be relevant to the defense's case" if the trial takes place during the legislative session, which lasts 90 days.

Simms cited trial scheduling for state Sen. Ulysses Currie, who remained in the legislature after being hit with federal charges in 2010 and was ultimately acquitted. Currie's trial was scheduled for after the legislative session to prevent a conflict as he served, Simms wrote.

Read more: http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/baltimore-city/politics/bs-md-ci-oaks-trial-scheduling-20170617-story.html