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Tuesday, his attorneys asked the court to delay his Dec. 12 trial with co-defendants Ray Shoemaker of Tupelo and Lee Garner of Batesville.
Trial is set in Oxford with Senior U.S. District Judge Neal B. Biggers to preside.
Corkern’s attorneys told the court that the trial date “will not give counsel adequate time to prepare” his defense.
They also say Shoemaker’s attorney, Steve Farese of Ashland, does not object to a delay, nor does Charles Spiller, counsel for the government.
Their request for more time, say Corkern’s lawyers, is made in good faith because of “voluminous” evidence and complex issues to be analyzed.
A few months ago, Biggers granted a delay for Shoemaker and Garner, but this is Corkern’s first such request.
Government accusations come from a multi-count indictment alleging fraud, bribery and kickbacks surrounding dealings at Tri-Lakes Medical Center in Batesville, where Shoemaker was CEO.
Each defendant insists he is not guilty. They remain free on bond.