A district judge Tuesday agreed to postpone the sexual assault trial of a former emergency-room nurse so his attorney can recover from a glandular problem.
Public Defender Steven McGuire said he is suffering from complications involving his thyroid and must undergo minor surgery this week, interfering with his ability to prepare for the March 8 trial of Jason Laurie.
Laurie, 29, is accused of drugging and molesting seven female patients under his care at Carson-Tahoe Hospital from September 2002 to February 2003.
He was arrested Feb. 14 after two women told hospital security he had fondled them.
On June 10, Laurie who is out on bail, pleaded guilty to two counts of open and gross lewdness.
He will be tried on charges of sexual assault, four felony counts of administering a controlled substance to aid in the commission of violence, and five gross misdemeanor counts of open and gross lewdness.
Laurie attended the hearing Tuesday and told the judge he wasn't opposed to the delay.
A new trial date of Oct. 4 was set.
Contact F.T. Norton at ftnorton@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1213.
