Bala seeking new trial

Susan Bala, the former owner of the Racing Services Inc. offtrack betting operation who was convicted earlier this year of 12 felonies related to running an illegal gambling operation in North Dakota, will not have to report to prison until Sept. 30, a U.S. District court judge has ruled.

Bala was scheduled to begin serving a 27-month sentence on Wednesday, but U.S. District Court Judge Ralph Erickson delayed the surrender date in order to give prosecutors time to respond to a motion Bala filed for a new trial. Bala claimed in court records filed this week that her attorneys have uncovered documents showing she had no intent to run an illegal gambling operation.

Prosecutors opposed the delay, contending that the documents do not raise new issues in the case.