Trial of Louisiana HBPA reps postponed

A federal trial for former Louisiana horsemen’s representatives Sean Alfortish and Mona Romero has been continued to Sept. 6, according to a spokesperson for the offices of U.S. Attorney Jim Letten. The case had been scheduled to begin on Monday in New Orleans.

Alfortish, who was chairman of the Louisiana Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association, and Romero, the organization’s former executive director, were indicted late last year on charges of mail fraud tied to a 2008 election of the board of directors. They pled not guilty during their arraignments in early December.

The continuance was granted at the request of the attorneys representing Alfortish and Romero.

Also, a continuance request has been filed which may move the sentencing date of Cricket Romero to October. Cricket Romero, a former Louisiana employee of the horsemen’s association, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit identity theft in the mail fraud case.