SOUTH BEND - One of the two men allegedly involved in the Leesburg bank robbery six months ago is scheduled to stand trial beginning today.

U.S. District Judge Allen Sharp moved the federal trial against Criss Duncan to Lafayette because of extensive publicity surrounding the case, the South Bend Tribune reported in today's edition.

The trial is expected to last at least a week.

In October, additional charges were filed against Duncan less than two weeks before a previously scheduled trial date. The new charges accuse Duncan of being involved in another bank robbery in Middlebury.

The defense attorney was able to get Duncan a court order requiring the new charges to be tried separately from the Leesburg robbery charges.

Concerns about Duncan's haircut on Oct. 21, the date of his trial, caused Sharp to reset the trial date and to send four dozen prospective jurors home.

Then Sharp moved the trial to Lafayette over the government's objection and added the new charges over the defendant's objection, meaning Duncan will be tried on all charges related to the two robberies.

Duncan, of Shipshewana, is accused of being one of two armed men who held up National City Bank, Leesburg, on May 27. He's charged with arson, armed bank robbery and use of a firearm during a crime of violence.

Duncan and his alleged accomplice, Ralph Berkey Jr., Elkhart, got away with $44,000. They also exchanged gunfire with Milford town marshal Dave Hobbs, but no one was injured.

Berkey reached a plea agreement with the government that calls for him to testify against Duncan.

The new charges were filed Oct. 9, alleging the holdup of the Farm Bureau Credit Union, Middlebury, in 2002.

Approximately 60 witnesses and 200 exhibits are listed by the government to be presented at Duncan's trial.

Jury selection is the only activity planned for today for the trial. Opening statements will begin Tuesday morning. [[In-content Ad]]