The trial of a former Clinch County judge facing federal corruption charges has been delayed after he suffered life-threatening complications from a ruptured appendix. Former Superior Court Judge Brooks E. Blitch III was scheduled to stand trial Monday in U.S. District Court in Valdosta. But the federal judge presiding over the case postponed it after Blitch's doctor said he needed at least three months to recover after Blitch's appendix ruptured in May. The doctor wrote a letter saying the 74-year-old Blitch suffered life-threatening complications. Blitch's attorney, Robert Willis, said Tuesday that Blitch is recovering at home but remains very weak. Blitch was indicted last year on corruption charges accusing him of fixing cases and making illegal payments to employees. His attorney says Blitch did nothing illegal.
(Associated Press)
(Associated Press)
