theftlossdeduction.com

10/14/09 - Attorneys defending Wayzata businessman Tom Petters against charges he ran a Ponzi scheme have renewed a request for a change of venue.

In February, Petters' lawyers asked for the trial to be moved out of Minnesota to either Wisconsin or Iowa.

The attorneys argued it would be impossible for Petters to get a fair trial in Minnesota because of publicity that "has been extensive, disdainful, relentless."

Thursday, they renewed the request saying that "one year after the "secret" federal investigation commenced, Mr. Petters' name continues to be a mainstay for media headlines."

A judge denied the initial change of venue request in March. But he left open the possibility for a change of venue, if an impartial jury couldn't be seated.

Petters, the founder and former CEO of Petters Group Worldwide, is accused of running a $3.5 billion Ponzi scheme. When investigators seized company assets, Petters Group companies were unable to repay their creditors.

Petters was indicted on 20 counts. He pleaded not guilty. He is scheduled to go on trial Oct. 26.

http://kstp.com/news/stories/S1191993.shtml?cat=206