Wilkes Is On His Own

Via chrisc, Judge Burns has severed the trials of Brent Wilkes and John Michael, on account of the health problems of the latter.

Ajudge Monday severed the trials of ex-defense contractor Brent Wilkesand banker John Michael, who are charged in connection with thecorruption scandal that sent former Rep. Randy "Duke" Cunningham toprison.

U.S.District Judge Larry Burns postponed Michael’s trial indefinitely afterattorney Raymond Granger said his client had been diagnosed with viralmeningitis.Pretrialmotions are scheduled in Wilkes’ case Tuesday, with jury selection setto begin Wednesday. Opening statements are scheduled for Oct. 9.

Given that Michael seems intent on avoiding conviction by exposing all of Tommy K’s crimes, and Wilkes seems intent on avoiding conviction by … who knows, exposing all of Congress’ crimes? I don’t think the separate trials will help either one overly much. Though it may mean that no prostitutes will show up at John Michael’s trial.