An updated scheduling order was issued this week in a RICO case filed against several former Floyd County school system employees accused of stealing over $6 million, including Chattooga County resident Derry Richardson, along with several of Richardson’s family members.
The case was expected to move forward quickly this year under a previous scheduling order before court proceedings were halted statewide by an emergency judicial order issued in March. The order, which was recently extended to June 12, halted many court functions deemed non-essential.
The criminal case includes 13 defendants on multiple charges ranging from racketeering to conspiracy to theft. According to the indictment, Derry Richardson and several others are accused of using his position as maintenance director in the school system to steal millions of dollars from the school system.
The order penned by Floyd County Superior Court Judge Jack Niedrach states pre-trial motions, demurrers or special pleas have to be filed by May 23 and discovery to be completed by May 31. Hearings will begin on June 8 and will continue until completed.
The hearings will take place at The Forum, which has been annexed to be a functioning wing of the courthouse. Niedrach also made a provision for attorneys or defendants who wish to participate by videoconference.
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