Hodge granted separate trial in corruption case

DALLAS (AP) - State Representative Terri Hodge will be tried separately from other defendants named in a corruption indictment about bribery and extortion allegations within Dallas City Hall if she wins re-election in November.

U.S. District Judge Barbara Lynn's decision to grant Hodge a separate trial was not opposed by prosecutors. It will allow the Dallas Democrat to represent her district when the legislative session begins in January.

Hodge was among 16 people named in a federal corruption indictment in September 2007. The indictment accuses developer Brian Potashnik of bribing Hodge and other current and former officials in exchange for their support of his low-income housing developments.

Hodge faces charges of bribery, fraud, and conspiracy. Potashnik and Hodge have denied wrongdoing.

The trial date for the other defendants is scheduled for January 20.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)