The jury trial for LaVeta Miller, charged with stealing more than $100,000 that was intended to provide World War II veterans with free trips to Washington, D.C., has been reschedule for June 23-27.
Barton County District Judge Ron Svaty had set the trial for March 24-28, but ordered a continuance based on a motion filed at the end of January by court-appointed defense attorney Robert  Anderson Sr. of Ellinwood. Anderson said that in order to prepare his defense he needs a calendar that the Kansas Bureau of Investigation seized from Miller’s home prior to her arrest.
“Defense counsel has requested since Nov. 21, 2012, the return of her personal property,” Anderson stated in his motion. He noted that the State had released some of the requested material on Jan. 24, but not Miller’s personal calendar. Anderson said the calendar contains evidence that is favorable to his client and he has specifically requested its return since March 6, 2013.
According to the motion to postpone the trial, Anderson was told the calendar was at a KBI lab in Topeka where it was being reviewed by a handwriting expert, which could take several more weeks.
Anderson said he will need at least four months after the calendar is returned to contact potential witnesses and prepare a defense.