(AP) -- The former CEO of a failed sweetener facility planned for northern Missouri wants to keep cameras out of the courtroom at his upcoming trial on felony fraud and stealing charges.
The Columbia Daily Tribune reports that Bruce Cole is asking a Randolph County Circuit Court judge to prohibit photographers and TV cameras when he stands trial next year.
Cole is charged with stealing from the $39 million in bond funds borrowed by the city of Moberly to build an artificial sweetener factory, which never opened. Prosecutors say he made false statements to promote his company and the bond sale.
His public defender says cameras in the courtroom would prejudice potential jurors. A county judge is expected to consider the request at a Dec. 5 hearing.
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