By BOB GIBBINS
The preliminary hearing for a Cherokee County man charged with embezzlement will be postponed until next year.
Testimony started in the case of Michael Dewayne Ryals, 22, Wednesday afternoon before Special District Judge Sandy Crosslin.
Crosslin then reset the remainder of the hearing for Jan. 20, 2010, at 1:30 p.m. at the request of defense attorney Jim Cosby.
Ryals is charged with selling a horse he leased from Mikeala Rodriguez. He had allegedly asked Rodriguez about purchasing the horse and later told her he sold it.
Sheriff’s Investigator Harold Thomas submitted a report to the District Attorney’s Office that led to the filing of charges against Ryals. He and Rodriguez are among state witnesses against Ryals.
Assistant District Attorney Josh King filed a petition to determine the ownership of the horse Wednesday. That issue is set for a Dec. 16 hearing. The petition states Ryals, Rodriguez and Leonard Trammel are listed as known people with an interest in the horse, a palomino gelding named “Sonny Deelight.” The document also states the horse is known as “Amigo Maximo.”
Crosslin will also preside at that hearing.
