New judge assigned to 2nd trial of former Lake Station mayor

HAMMOND, Ind. (AP) - A judge accused of falling asleep during the trial of the former Lake Station mayor and his wife has recused himself from a second trial involving them.

Keith and Deborah Soderquist were convicted last month of wire fraud and other charges for improperly using funds from his campaign and a food pantry. They have filed a motion seeking a retrial because they say U.S. District Judge Rudy Lozano was asleep on "a number of occasions" during the trial.

While that motion is pending, Lozano recused himself from a separate case involving the Soderquists and their daughter, Miranda Brakley. Brakley is charged with stealing money from Lake Station when she was a court clerk, and the Soderquists are accused of helping her hide the crime. All three have pleaded not guilty.