Judge grants motion pushing Jason White trial to November
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LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) - A judge has granted a motion to push the date of the child pornography trial of former Lubbock dentist Jason White, declaring the case complex after prosecutors stated more possible victims have come forward.
Lubbock dentist Jason Paul White pleaded not guilty in federal court in February to the charges of receipt and distribution of child pornography, production of child pornography and enticement of a minor.
Last week, U.S. Attorneys requested the April 5 trial date be moved to October due to the complicated nature of the case. Prosecutors stated at least eight more victims have come to law enforcement, and investigation into these cases is ongoing.
MORE: Prosecutors motion for continuance saying new victims have come forward in Jason White case
Investigators are currently combing through data from more than 30 items seized when law enforcement served warrants at White’s home and business, containing, “340,000 images and videos, approximately 139,000 text messages, approximately 53,000 emails, and approximately 42,000 items from his social networking applications,” that need to be reviewed.
United States District Judge James Wesley Hendrix issued a motion declaring the case complex and granting the continuance to give more time to investigators.
“The Court agrees with the United States and finds that the case is so unusual and complex- due to the complex and time-consuming nature of the electronic discovery, the number of alleged victims and their locations outside of Lubbock, and the span of time covered by the anticipated Superseding Indictment- that it is unreasonable to expect adequate preparation for pretrial proceedings and for trial within the time limits established by the Speedy Trial Act,” the motion states.
Jason White’s trial is reset to November 1, at 9:00 a.m. in the United States District Court.
A magistrate previously ordered White to remain in jail until his trial date.
MORE: Federal magistrate judge denies Lubbock dentist’s release from jail
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