Judge in Hunter Case Says Trial May Last Into October

The judge hearing the Nancy Hoover Hunter fraud case has told jurors that the trial will probably last through September and possibly into October.

U. S. District Judge Earl B. Gilliam made the announcement Thursday to the jury, which earlier had been told that the trial would probably end in July.

The announcement may mean that the trial could recess for several weeks in the summer to accommodate jurors’ vacations, but that has not been decided yet.

The attorneys could not comment about the announcement because of a gag order imposed by Gilliam a month ago against talking with the press. But, before the gag order was issued, Assistant U. S. Atty. S. Gay Hugo told the judge that Hunter’s attorneys were spending an unusually long time in cross-examining investors.

Jury selection in the lengthy trial involving 234 counts began in late March, and testimony started in mid-April.

Testimony continued Friday from investors who lost money when the J. David & Co. investment house collapsed.

Melvin Crain, a former political science professor at San Diego State University, testified this week that Hunter’s role in the firm was “one of the major influences” causing him to invest $25,000 in J. David Banking.

“She was well known to me as an active member of the Democratic Party . . . (and as) mayor of Del Mar,” Crain said.

Responding to questions from Richard Marmaro, one of Hunter’s defense attorneys, Crain said he thought Hunter was reputable and respected, as well as a top executive in J. David.

Hunter is facing the 234 counts stemming from her alleged participation in the giant Ponzi scheme masterminded by J. David (Jerry) Dominelli. When the J. David firm went bankrupt in February, 1984, 1,500 people had lost $80 million.

Also testifying this week was Bert Wahlen, a major J. David investor who at the time was a vice president at Group W broadcasting.

Wahlen testified that he had difficulty obtaining information as to why his account was not faring as well as a friend’s, but that Hunter explained to him there “were cycles in the business.” Wahlen said the discussion influenced his decision to keep his money in the account.

Wahlen said he met with Hunter once because he had the names of some potential investors. However, she never contacted him to follow up on the tips, he testified.