The Orange Leader
August 11, 1998
Judge orders separate trial for Vidor man
By Mike Wheeler
Staff Reporter
BEAUMONT - Separate trials will be held for suspended Orange County Sheriff James Wade and the Vidor man indicted with Wade in May, a federal judge ruled Wednesday.
Nyle Henry baker, according to a family member, could be released from jail today.
Wade's Attorneys had asked for the trial separation claiming some of Baker's statements concerning the alleged conspiracy "are harmful and unfavorable to Wade and implicate him in matters relating to the offenses."
Although U. S. District Judge Howell Cobb closed a hearing concerning an appeal filed by Baker's attorney for his client's release from jail, Baker's family indicated late Wednesday afternoon that Baker would be released today on more than $200,000 bond.
Wade's trial will begin Monday in Sherman, but no trial date has been set for Baker's case.
Wade's trial will begin Monday in Sherman, but no trial date has been set for Baker's case.
Wade and Baker were charged in the same indictment handed up by a federal grand jury on May 2 alleging the pair were involved in a conspiracy to manufacture and distribute methamphetamine, or "speed" in Orange County.
Wade was charged with nine other counts besides drug trafficking, including embezzlement of Orange County narcotic funds and conspiracy to obstruct justice.
Baker was charged with one count of conspiracy to manufacture and distribute a controlled substance and has been in jail since his May 17 arraignment.
Wade, after arraignment on May............
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