Trial delay for man accused of hitting Trump protester in Fayetteville
FAYETTEVILLE -- The trial for a man accused of hitting a protester at a Donald Trump rally in Fayetteville earlier this year has been delayed until after the presidential election.
ORIGINAL STORY: Man charged after punching Trump protester
The Fayetteville Observer reports a defense attorney asked for a delay for 79-year-old John Franklin McGraw, who had been scheduled to stand trial Wednesday.
Defense attorney James C. MacRae Jr. filed the request June 30, saying he needed more time to prepare for trial.
Prosecutor Bella Truong agreed to MacRae's request and District Court Judge Tal Baggett set the new trial date for Dec. 14.
The Linden man is accused of hitting Rakeem Jones as Cumberland County sheriff's deputies were removing Jones from the Trump rally in Fayetteville on March 9. McCraw is charged with assault and battery, disorderly conduct and communicating a threat.
