Trial Delayed In Trucking Scheme Case

A federal judge has delayed the trial of three California residents accused of trying to steal nearly $83,000 worth of beef from a southwest Kansas slaughterhouse.

U.S. District Judge Monti Belot on Tuesday set the case for a jury trial beginning Nov. 12 in Wichita. Trial had previously been set for August.

An indictment charges 53-year-old Oganes Nagapetian; his 46-year-old wife, Larisa; and his 50-year-old brother, Tigran Nagapetian, with conspiracy to violate U.S. laws. All are from North Hollywood, Calif.

Prosecutors allege the three tried to steal a semi-load of processed beef in November 2011 from the Tyson Fresh Meats plant in Holcomb by pretending to be legitimate freight haulers.

The government says meatpacking plants in Dodge City, Liberal, Holcomb and Garden City have been targeted in similar trucking schemes.