Hollywood wiretap case hits snag

LOS ANGELES, June 26 (UPI) -- Encoded audio files are slowing down the government's wiretapping and conspiracy case against Hollywood private eye Anthony Pellicano.

Government code breakers have 300 of Pellicano's audio files left to work on and progress reportedly is slow due to the sophistication of the coding, the New York Times reported Monday.

One reason for the delay, authorities told the Times, is that federal agencies are tied up with higher priority cases such as those involving counterterrorism.

The high-profile case against Pellicano involves some of Hollywood's biggest names who have been called as witnesses before a federal grand jury looking into Pellicano's activities.

Law enforcement and others who have seen the government's case believe authorities have ample proof of wiretapping, witness intimidation and other crimes.

Pellicano and six co-defendants are scheduled to go to trial in October, while seven others charged in the case have already pleaded guilty.