Va. trials postponed in Vick-linked cases

SURRY, Va., Feb. 27 (UPI) -- The Virginia prosecutor handling the state's case against Michael Vick on dogfighting charges said trials for two of his co-defendants have been postponed.

Surry County Commonwealth's Attorney Gerald Poindexter said logistical problems led to delays in the trials of Quanis Phillips and Purnell Peace, which were scheduled for trial March 5, and Vick's trial could also face delays, the Norfolk Virginian-Pilot reported Wednesday.

The three men and a fourth defendant, Tony Taylor, are facing felony counts of dogfighting and animal cruelty. If convicted, they could each face 5 years imprisonment.

All four men pleaded guilty in 2007 to a federal conspiracy involving an interstate dogfighting

enterprise in U.S. District Court in Richmond, Va. Vick, a former NFL player, confessed to financing the operation, "Bad Newz Kennels."