Judge delays trial in Blackfeet corruption case

HELENA (AP) — A judge has pushed back the trial for six people charged with fraud and embezzlement in a Blackfeet program for troubled youth.

U.S. District Judge Dana Christensen issued an order Wednesday saying the trial will be held on Jan. 13 instead of Oct. 15.

One of the defendants had requested the delay to review government evidence, interview witnesses and prepare for a complex trial.

The former leaders, consultants and employees of the federally funded Po'Ka Project face a combined 37 criminal counts.

Former Po'Ka director Francis Onstad and assistant director Delyle "Shanny" Augare are accused of receiving kickbacks with the help of Gary Conti Jr., who was the project's monitor.

Three others were indicted on allegations that include falsifying how much the tribe was contributing to $9.3 million program.