Rep. Tyrone Brooks' trial on fraud charges set for April

State Rep. Tyrone Brooks’ trial has been set for April, nearly two full years after he was indicted on 30 federal criminal counts of fraud.

Brooks, an Atlanta Democrat, is accused of mail, tax and wire fraud related to his work for a pair of nonprofits. He has pleaded not guilty.

Brooks and his attorney, former Gov. Roy Barnes, said the lawmaker had poor accounting practices but broke no laws. He wasn’t paid for the work he does for the Georgia Association of Black Elected Officials or Universal Humanities, but he was reimbursed for expenses.

Barring a settlement, Brooks’ trial will begin April 13 before U.S. District Judge Amy Totenberg. President Barack Obama nominated Totenberg for the federal bench in 2010.

Efforts to reach Barnes were unsuccessful Monday.

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