The trial of two St. Croix police officers accused of rape and violating the civil rights of at least nine persons has been postponed until November.
A federal grand jury indicted Ronald Pickard and Dean Bates on 16 counts, including the alleged May 10 rape of an adult nightclub dancer, conspiracy, firearms possession, witness-tampering and civil rights violations by assault and intimidation.
Jury selection for the trial is set for Nov. 8. If convicted of rape, the men, both five-year veterans of the force, face 10 to 30 years in prison. They also face 10 years in prison and $250,000 fines for witness-tampering and civil rights violations.
