LEBANON — Former city officials are scheduled to go to trial in less than two weeks on charges related to a 2-year-old controversy over early retirement buyouts. But that could change.

        A pretrial conference Wednesday for the three defendants — former Auditor Debbie Biggs, retired Electric Director Bob Newton and former City Manager James Patrick — raised more questions than answers.

        Visiting Judge George Elliott may have another trial that conflicts with the Jan. 28 trial, but he won't know until next week, Special Prosecutor Patrick Hanley said.

        “We're in a holding pattern,” Mr. Hanley said.

        Also unresolved is whether any of the defendants will ask to have their trials separated — which also could cause delays.

        Mrs. Biggs is charged with theft in office and unlawful interest in a public contract — felonies that carry up to five years in prison — for taking an early retirement buyout for electric department employees. Judge Elliott found retired City Attorney Bill Duning not guilty of the same charges in December.

        Mr. Newton and Mr. Patrick are charged with aiding and abetting, which are also felonies.

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