TUPELO - Lee Garner's attorney says he needs a trial delay to review "voluminous" material associated with the health care fraud allegations.

Garner, 66, of Batesville and Ray L. Shoemaker, 38, of Tupelo are scheduled for trial June 27 in Oxford on assorted federal charges that they defrauded the U.S. government in a nursing services kickback and bribery scheme.

Both men pleaded not guilty in March hearings. They are free on $50,000 bond each.

Last week, Garner's defense counsel, Ronald Michael of Booneville, formally asked Senior U.S. District Judge Neal Biggers for more time to prepare for trial. He also said prosecutors have no objection to a delay.

Garner and Shoemaker were granted the June trial date after an initial May 9 setting.

Monday, Garner gained additional legal help with the entry of John A. Ferrell of Booneville to his team, which includes Oxford attorney Christi R. McCoy and William B. Kirksey of Jackson.

Shoemaker is represented by Steve Farese of Ashland and two Jackson attorneys specializing in health care fraud cases.

Shoemaker is former chief executive officer of Tri-Lakes Medical Center in Batesville. He also is accused of embezzling from Humphreys County Hospital in Belzoni, where he was administrator.

Garner, a Panola County businessman, is a former Ole Miss and NFL player.

A third man, David Chandler, is implicated in their Feb. 24 indictment but is not charged. The former Panola County administrator and Tri-Lakes board president apparently is the person alleged to have received bribes for approving nursing service contracts between the hospital and Garner's business.

Contact Patsy R. Brumfield at (662) 678-1596 or patsy.brumfield@journalinc.com.